Bhutan will continue to grapple with the shortage of health workers during the current Five Year Plan. The Labour and Human Resources Minister, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, say there would be a shortage of more than 1,500 health workers in the country, during the 11th Five Year Plan.
During the regional meeting on Strengthening Human Resource for Health in South-East Asia, held in Thimphu, Lyonpo said they need to assess why health workers continue to leave public health system.
The number of health workers increased to 2,489 in 2014 from 1,153 in 2002. Lyonpo said even though the number looks encouraging, the shortage of workers continue to plague the health system.
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The staffing pattern of 11th Five Year Plan of the Ministry of Health estimates; more than 400 doctors, 50 dental physician, 1,259 nurses, 110 technologists, 1,252 technicians, 7,11 community health workers and 200 traditional medicine practitioners will be required.
The Health Minister said the exit of health workers from the healthcare market due to superannuation and voluntary retirement have become cause for concern. “The health system also witnessed our active health workers separating from the civil service for reasons other than superannuation.”
Lyonpo said key priority should be given to retaining health workers in rural areas and transforming health professionals’ education.
The Minister also said initiatives to tackle the shortage of health workers are being undertaken.
Participants from more than 10 countries South East Asia region attended the three-day meeting. The meeting was organised by the World Health Organization, Bhutan.
