The Effects Of The Global Health Workforce Shortage

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the global healthcare workforce shortage as one of the most prevailing critical concerns (Aluttis, Bishaw, & Frank, 2014; WHO, 2006). Globalization and markets have provided healthcare workers (particularly physicians and nurses) with opportunities across the world, which results in migration from less developed to developed countries (Aluttis et al., 2014). Over a decade ago, the global healthcare workforce shortage was estimated to be over 4 million workers, with more than 75 countries having fewer than 2.5 workers per 1000 population - minimum amount to deliver basic services (Aluttis et al., 2014; WHO, 2006). The effects of “brain-drain phenomenon,” where tremendously skilled workers migrate to countries for better opportunities are evident (Aluttis et al., 2014). …show more content…
Lack of sustainability, decline in commitment and moral from remaining workers, decrease in quality of care, financial losses from training and educational investments, as well as social and human capital losses are a few of the consequences (Aluttis et al., 2014, p. 4). On the other hand, developed countries’ residents receive improved quality of care, and a more diverse healthcare workforce as relief is provided to improve the shortage supply (Aluttis et al., 2014). Since the unequal distribution of healthcare workers greatly affects the lower income countries, the WHO advocates addressing this problem from a governance perspective (WHO, 2006; Aluttis et al., 2014). The Code of Practice advises utilizing a bilateral agreement between countries (source and destination) to create a symbiotic relationship – i.e. reimbursement for every migrating clinician (WHO,