The frequently quoted ratio of 1:10,000 psychiatrists to population originated in Canada in 1962 and was later adopted as the minimum by the American Psychiatric Association. Since then both Canada and the United States have found this ratio to be inadequate. Canada has since advocated an optimal target ratio of 1:6,500, but recommended a more attainable pragmatic ratio of 1:8,000 for the foreseeable future. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' recently recommended range of 1:7,500 to 1:10,000 is applauded. Reasons are given why a reasonable upper limit to the ratio of psychiatrists to population is desirable.
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