WHO warns of looming global health-worker shortage as many doctors near retirement

A WHO statement released on September 18 warned that simultaneous aging of populations and health-care workforces will exacerbate a projected global shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030. An analysis of data from over 100 countries shows that a quarter of doctors are slated to retire in the next decade, creating staffing gaps in 67 nations that could compromise current treatment standards. To preserve the present ratio of health workers to residents, an additional 832,000 staff members are needed worldwide.

The report notes that poorer countries may become more dependent on overseas health professionals, raising concerns about the consistency of care. Higher-income nations, particularly many in Europe, are predicted to be hardest hit, with one in three physicians expected to leave the workforce within ten years. The WHO urges policymakers to address recruitment, training and retention to mitigate the looming crisis.