The Kingdom of Eswatini is grappling with a significant shortage of health practitioners, with the health labor report highlighting the need for at least 20,272 health workers in 2022, yet the available workforce is only 10,531 short, causing a significant gap in the healthcare system.
The Health Labour Market Analysis Report, conducted by the government in partnership with the World Health Organization, highlights the urgent need for strategic intervention to address the shortage of health workers in Eswatini, projected to reach 26,563 by 2032.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Susan Tembo, Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, and other relevant government officials were present at the launch of the report.
Minister Matsebula emphasized the significance of the study in creating the new HRH (Human Resources for Health) strategy. While drawing attention to the alarming problem of over 900 health professionals who are unemployed in Eswatini, a competent workforce.
Furthermore, the nation is facing a brain drain, with 41% of the health workforce planning to leave the country for another country. This exodus of skilled and qualified healthcare professionals worsens the already severe shortage.
Despite the nation’s ability to train health workers, the research shows that by 2032, there would only likely be 12,438 available. As a result, the government intends to put in place measures to keep medical experts on staff and guarantee their fair distribution throughout the nation’s healthcare institutions.
In order to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC), WHO Country Representative Dr. Susan Tembo asked legislators, the Ministry of Health, other government agencies, development partners, the commercial sector, and all other stakeholders to make investments in bolstering the health workforce. He specifically emphasized greater domestic financing and resource mobilization.
This comprehensive approach is said to address immediate needs while setting the stage for long-term solutions.
Source: EswatiniDailyNews
