WHO Warns of Growing Global Health Workforce Shortage as One in Four Doctors Near Retirement
WHO Warns of Growing Global Health Workforce Shortage as One in Four Doctors Near Retirement
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the global health system is facing increasing pressure due to the ageing of medical professionals and rising demand for healthcare services.
According to the WHO’s latest National Health Workforce Accounts: Health Workforce Levels and Trends 2026 report, nearly one in four doctors worldwide is over the age of 55 and is expected to retire within the next decade. In high-income countries, the proportion rises to nearly one in three doctors.
The organization projected that the world could face a shortage of around 11.1 million health workers by 2030, with 67 countries at risk of lacking sufficient medical personnel to maintain current healthcare needs.
The WHO noted that although the global number of health and care workers has increased, major inequalities remain between wealthy and lower-income countries. Medical workforce density continues to vary significantly across regions, affecting access to essential health services.
The report highlighted that population ageing, combined with the retirement of experienced healthcare workers, is creating additional challenges for health systems. The WHO called for stronger investment in education, training, workforce planning and retention strategies to address the expected shortage.
