South Asia faces the world’s biggest health workforce shortage, study finds

South Asia is facing the largest shortage of health professionals among the regions assessed in a new global study, raising concerns about the ability of health systems to provide adequate care as demand continues to grow.

A study published in The Lancet Public Health estimates that the world needs an additional 34.4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists and pharmacists to achieve moderate universal health coverage. The largest shortages are concentrated in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The findings highlight a problem that goes beyond the number of hospitals and medical facilities available. Healthcare systems also need enough trained professionals to operate those facilities, provide treatment and maintain basic services.

Doctors and nurses remain at the centre of healthcare delivery, but the study covers a wider group of professionals, including midwives, dentists and pharmacists. Each plays a role in ensuring that patients receive appropriate care, from diagnosis and treatment to medicines and maternal services.

The shortage is particularly important for countries with large and growing populations. South Asia is home to more than two billion people, and healthcare demand is rising as populations grow, cities expand and the burden of chronic diseases increases.

A shortage of healthcare workers can affect both access and quality. Patients may face longer waiting times, while doctors and nurses can experience heavier workloads. Rural and remote communities can be particularly affected because healthcare professionals are often concentrated in larger cities.

The findings also raise questions about how countries plan healthcare capacity. Building hospitals and upgrading equipment are important, but these investments need to be matched by spending on medical education, training and workforce retention.

India has expanded its medical education capacity in recent years, with more medical colleges, seats and healthcare facilities being added across the country. However, the distribution of doctors and other healthcare professionals remains an important issue.

The shortage is also not simply about producing more professionals. Countries need to retain trained workers and create working conditions that encourage them to remain in the healthcare system. Pay, workload, career opportunities, working conditions and access to training can all influence whether professionals stay in a particular location or sector.

Technology may help healthcare systems manage some of these pressures. Telemedicine, remote diagnostics and digital health platforms can allow specialists to support patients and healthcare workers outside major cities. However, technology cannot completely replace doctors, nurses and other trained professionals.

The study therefore points to a wider challenge for governments and healthcare providers. Universal health coverage depends not only on insurance or hospital infrastructure, but also on having enough people available to deliver care.

For South Asia, the message is particularly important. As healthcare systems expand, workforce planning will need to move alongside hospital construction, medical education and digital health investment.

Without enough trained professionals, even a well-funded healthcare system can struggle to deliver timely and accessible care.