Doctor Deficit Puts Pressure on Healthcare Systems in Africa
Pecohub St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, has warned that Africa’s healthcare systems remain under “severe” strain due to a widening shortage of doctors.
Citing projections from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the university said the global health workforce deficit could reach nearly 10 million by 2030, with low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, bearing the heaviest burden.
SGU highlighted that Africa continues to face a stark imbalance, accounting for roughly 24 percent of the global disease burden but having access to only about three per cent of the world’s health workforce.
The varsity said the disparity poses a serious threat to healthcare delivery and outcomes across the continent.
According to the institution, the growing gap underscores the need for urgent and sustained investment in medical education and workforce development systems capable of meeting rising demand.
The university pointed out that demographic and epidemiological shifts, including longer life expectancy, ageing populations, and a surge in non-communicable diseases, are intensifying pressure on already overstretched health systems.
“Medical professionals today are faced with increasing responsibilities which can lead to burnout and reduce their ability to provide optimal care for patients,” the university said.
SGU said addressing the crisis goes beyond increasing enrolment in medical schools, emphasising the importance of building sustainable training pathways and creating systems that support graduates to practise and contribute within their home regions.
The university said it is contributing to efforts to bridge the gap by training African students and equipping them with the clinical skills and competencies needed to strengthen healthcare systems.
“Building sustainable pathways that enable students to access quality medical training while contributing to healthcare systems across the continent is critical,” it said.
SGU explained that its medical training model integrates foundational sciences with early clinical exposure and multidisciplinary learning to prepare students for increasingly complex healthcare environments.
