- If the current trend continues, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be a deficit of 10 million doctors in the world.
- The pandemic was the trigger that increased the levels of Burnout Syndrome within this union.
- Only in the case of Mexico, it is estimated that there are currently 200,000 doctors missing to comply with international recommendations.
Health is a fundamental part for all people and it is a fundamental field for all countries. It is an element that cannot be dispensed with and current conditions have shown it to be so. The problem is that the world is going through a shortage of doctors and the worst thing is that the crisis could worsen in the future. But what is the reason for this phenomenon that affects everyone?
A despised profession in Mexico?
In recent years it has been mentioned that Mexico does not have a sufficient number of health professionals. According to federal authorities, at least another 200,000 doctors are required to comply with international recommendations. Of the figure, at least 70,000 correspond to specialists.
According to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, everything was generated by neoliberal governments. On multiple occasions he has pointed out that the admission exam to enter the university is to blame. He assures that there are thousands of young people who want to be doctors but see their dreams cut short because they do not get a place in higher education institutions.
As a result of the above, various strategies have been applied. Among the main ones are the creation of the University of Health in Mexico City and the increase in places in the National Exam for Applicants for Medical Residencies (ENARM). In addition, an agreement was also signed to hire Cuban doctors to provide care in rural areas of our country.
The shortage of doctors is not exclusive to Mexico
However, the problem of the shortage of doctors is not exclusive to Mexico, but occurs in a large part of the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. Around this topic, the World Economic Forum (WEF) presented the results of the investigation Why is the world now facing a medical recruitment crisis?
What he mentions is that the pandemic complicated the work of health professionals. As of 2020 there was an increase in the levels of Burnout syndrome within this sector. As a consequence, a loss of passion was generated within the people in charge of caring for the patients.
The most alarming point of the work is that it ensures that If the trend continues then by 2030 there will be a deficit of 10 million doctors worldwide.
Why is the world now facing a medical recruitment crisis? https://t.co/Z0OFDGByFg #HR
— HR Conferences (@HRConfes) January 9, 2023
Another reason behind this phenomenon is the high level of danger faced by doctors. Now it is more visible that it is a profession in which multiple risks must be faced both inside and outside the hospital. The most obvious are exposure to viruses, bacteria and fungi during working hours.
Similarly, abroad they are not safe and the most embarrassing example can be seen with the attacks that increased against health professionals. In several countries, attacks against people wearing a white coat were reported in the street.
For its part, the investigation World Economic Forum it also emphasizes that there is an unequal distribution of personnel and it is increasing. This situation has been generated because more and more doctors leave their countries of origin to move to others in search of better working conditions and professional opportunities.
Also read:
If Mexico has a shortage of doctors, why are there so many unemployed?
AMLO affirms that the deficit of doctors is due to the entrance exams to the universities
Will the University of Health serve to combat the deficit of doctors in Mexico?