The World Health Organization has warned that the global healthcare system could face a major workforce shortage in the coming years as large numbers of doctors and other health professionals approach retirement.
According to a new WHO report covering more than 100 countries, about one-quarter of doctors worldwide are expected to retire within the next decade. The organisation warned that ageing populations and an ageing health workforce could deepen an already projected shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030. (Reuters)
The WHO said 67 countries could struggle to maintain their current standards of medical care by 2030 if staffing levels do not improve.
It estimates that an additional 832,000 health workers would be needed simply to maintain the current ratio of medical personnel to population.
The report also warned that wealthier countries may increasingly recruit doctors, nurses and other health professionals from lower-income nations to fill shortages.
Such recruitment could create additional pressure on countries already struggling with limited healthcare personnel and resources.
Higher-income countries, particularly in Europe, could be among the hardest hit because they have a larger share of older healthcare professionals.
In those countries, the WHO estimates that around one in three doctors could retire within the next 10 years. (Reuters)
The organisation says governments will need to strengthen healthcare training, recruitment and retention while also planning for the growing medical needs of ageing populations.
The warning highlights a broader global challenge: demand for healthcare is increasing at the same time many experienced professionals are preparing to leave the workforce.
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