According to a new WHO report, around 25% of doctors worldwide are over 55 years old.
The report identified stark inequalities between countries and an ageing workforce as major challenges, despite the growing number of health workers.
In the group that includes India, the population aged over 65 is also projected to increase by 26% between 2024 and 2030. The need for healthcare facilities will grow.
Four key points from the report…
Positive development
The number of health workers increased by 52% in 20 years
There were 44.8 health workers per 10,000 people in 2006, rising to 67.9 in 2025.
Challenge
A shortfall of 1.11 crore health workers is projected by 2030.
There will be a shortage of doctors and nurses in 67 countries.
How the shortage of doctors affects ordinary people
Due to the shortage of doctors in government hospitals, people are forced to turn to private hospitals. Their hefty fees place a direct and significant financial burden on ordinary people.
Because of overcrowding in hospitals, patients have to wait for hours or several days for their turn to receive treatment. Doctors face such intense work pressure that they are unable to give every patient sufficient time and the necessary care.
The situation is even more concerning in villages and rural areas, where doctor positions at health centres remain vacant. As a result, rural residents have to travel miles to cities even for minor and basic treatment.
