Number of Neurologists and Neurology Training Programs available in the Public Health System of Ecuador: Analysis and Recommendations

Abstract

Introduction: In 2008, Ecuador's neurologic healthcare profile displayed significant needs, a lack of neurologists, and neurology training accessibility. In that year, a new constitution introduced universal health care. No publication analyzes Ecuador's neurological Public Healthcare capacity. Hence, an up-to-date analysis of the number of neurologists and neurology training programs is required. Objective: Determine if Ecuador's public healthcare meets the minimum ideal ratio recommended by the World Health Or- ganization of 1 neurologist per 100,000 population and the number of neurology training programs in Ecuador. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of public data until November 2022 from Ecuador's Public Health System (PHS) and the Council of Higher Education. Ratios were calculated using the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses' information. Results: The public health network had ninety-four neurologists. Most found in Pichincha (37/39.4%) and Guayas (24/25.5%). There was one per province in five provinces. No neurologists were available in eight provinces. Two provinces met the ideal ratio. Ecuador’s ratio was 0.54:100,000 neurologists per population. One neurology training program was found in Quito. Conclusion: Ecuador's PHS has a shortage of neurologists, unfulfilling the minimum ideal ratio, and a severe lack of neurology training. Decentralizing neurological services, primary care support, and governmental funding for neurology training are an urgent need.