WHO Director Margaret Chan discussed the need for more jobs in health care Wednesday at the Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth in Lyon, France.
Although the health sector in middle- and- upper-income countries is growing and will offer 40 million new jobs by the year 2030, there is concern about the shortages of qualified individuals in lower income countries. In fact, a shortage of 18 million workers is expected in those less-privileged nations, making the sustainable development goals very difficult to reach.
The Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth believes that there is a great need for change, as increased employment could make a big difference in terms of health, security and economy.
The changes will begin with research by the commission into operations of governments, trade unions, the private sector, professional associates and others as to how these goals can be achieved. The commission’s final report will be given in September at the United National General Assembly.
“The Commission calls for a change in the way policy-makers look at the health sector, not as a drain on resources, but as a source of opportunities,” Chan said.
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