Your skills are needed - facts & statistics

Key Health Workforce Statistics

Worldwide:

  • There are about 59.8 million health workers. World Health Organisation – (WHO)
  • 57 countries have an absolute shortage of 2.3 million physicians, nurses and midwives. World Health Organisation – (WHO)
  • By 2015, there will be an estimated global demand for 10.8 million physicians. World Health Organisation – (WHO)
  • Developed countries face a demographic double whammy - an ageing nursing workforce, caring for increasing numbers of elderly people. (BMJ.com)
  • “Pressing health needs across the globe cannot be met without a well-trained, adequate and available health workforce.” World Health Organisation – (WHO)

Australia:

  • Projected shortage of 40,000 nurses in Australia by 2010. Jean Ann Seago, PhD, RN, Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health
  • The Healthcare industry, particularly for Health professionals is still of concern with an immediate requirement for at least 11,000 more personnel. Clarius Skills Index, February 2009
  • 90,000 nurses retiring over the next two decades. Ageing Workforce Sparks Nurse Crisis, The Australian, Oct 22, 2008
  • Based on population growth projections, Queensland will need at least another 14,000 nurses by 2014 and 22,000 by 2020. Queensland Nurses Union, Press Release, Jan 20, 2009

New Zealand:

  • “New Zealand faces a 5000-nurse shortfall in a few years.” New Zealand Nurses Union chief executive Geoff Annals (The Press, Christchurch/February 19 2009)
  • By 2011 demand for labour in the medical workforce will outstrip supply by between 27 and 42 percent of the 2001 workforce. Ministry of Health - Medical Training Board Report 2008.
  • 23% of New Zealand’s nurses come from overseas – primarily the UK, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Jean Ann Seago, PhD, RN, Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health

United Kingdom:

  • “Nearly 35,000 nurses – enough to staff the entire health service in Wales – have emigrated from the UK in the past four years.” Times Online/January 28, 2008

Gulf States:

  • 2 Million Health Workers needed NOW
  • Only 3.3% of health workers are local – 96.7% are sourced from overseas