Like many laboratory and health managers, I am concerned about the shortage affecting our health forces and I therefore wanted to write this short article to guide reflection on this subject.

Health systems worldwide rely fundamentally on the presence and performance of health workers. They are the pillars upon which the structure of health services is built, and their availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality directly influence the attainment of the higheststandards of healthcare. However, a looming crisis threatens this foundational aspect of healthcare systems: a shortage of healthcare workers.

Projections from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate an estimated deficit of 10 millionhealth workers by 2030, predominantly affecting low- and lower-middle-income nations. But this scarcity is not confined to specific economic tiers; it extends across various nations, each grappling with distinct challenges in the education, employment, deployment, retention, and efficacy of their healthcare workforce

The genesis of this enduring scarcity can be traced to chronic underinvestment in health worker education and training, resulting in a mismatch between educational strategies and population needs. Moreover, the intricate issue is compounded by the inability to deploy healthcare workersto rural, personnel might seem like a straightforward solution. However, healthcare, being a complex system, demands a nuanced approach.

healthcare workforce shortages, it's imperative to pivot from a problem-centered approach towards a solution-oriented perspective that accounts for multifaceted dimensions.

The dilemma of healthcare workforce scarcity is not limited to its impact on the health system alone; it also intertwines with societal disparities. A myopic focus on managing workforce shortages might inadvertently exacerbate inequalities and create further challenges for certain segments of society.

Furthermore, as healthcare organizations strive for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness, they often overlook the needs and well-being of healthcare professionals. Issues such as burnout, stress, and work-life balance are frequently sidelined, potentially impeding longterm workforceplanning and management.

The solution demands a holistic approach. Prioritizing quality primary care and ensuring equitable access to healthcare should be central to workforce policies. It necessitates a reevaluation of working conditions, rights, opportunities for advancement, and the creation of asustainable equilibrium between personal and professional life for healthcare workers.

Despite the recognition of these priorities in global policies, the execution of interventions still lacks the promise of substantial and enduring change. The persistent question prevails: Are we attempting to solve these problems with the same mindset that contributed to their creation?

We might have several options to prevent the shortage of such precious resources and the following figure highlights five of them:

In conclusion, the shortage of healthcare workers in laboratory medicine necessitates a paradigmshift in approach—one that transcends mere problem identification and delves into comprehensive, sustainable solutions that prioritize the needs of both citizens and healthcare professionals. Only by reshaping perspectives, policies, and practices can healthcare systems globally navigate this pressing challenge and secure a robust, resilient workforce for the future.

1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-workforce#tab=tab_1

2. https://www.myadlm.org/cln/articles/2023/june/laboratory-organizations-urgecongress-to-address-workforce-shortages

3. Džakula A, Reli? D. Health workforce shortage - doing the right things or doing things right? Croat Med J. 2022 Apr 30;63(2):107-109. doi: 10.3325/cmj.2022.63.107. PMID: 35505643; PMCID: PMC9086817.

4. Kagonya VA, Onyango OO, Maina M, Gathara D, English M, Imam A. Characterising support and care assistants in formal hospital settings: a scoping review. Hum Resour Health. 2023 Nov 27;21(1):90. doi: 10.1186/s12960-023-00877-7. PMID: 38012737; PMCID: PMC10680191.

5. https://www.ft.com/partnercontent/j-and-j/what-is-the-cure-for-the-globalhealthcare-worker-shortage.html

6. https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/c-suite-insights/the-leadership-agenda/talentrequired-for-healthcare-shortages.html