Geneva: The World Health Organisation has raised alarms about a growing global shortage of health workers, highlighting that nearly one in four doctors across 122 countries is aged 55 or older and may retire within the next decade.

According to Emirates News Agency, the organisation revealed that the global health workforce shortage could escalate to 11.1 million workers by 2030. It was reported that 67 countries are projected to face severe staffing deficits, posing a threat to existing healthcare standards.

High-income nations are expected to bear the brunt of this impact, with approximately one in three doctors likely to retire over the next ten years. The organisation warned that this shortfall might lead to an increased dependence on recruiting medical professionals from lower-income countries, which could destabilise health systems in developing regions.

Dr Khassoum Diallo, Acting Unit Head of Health Workforce Policies and Data at the WHO Academy, stated, "Ageing is the hidden health workforce crisis that requires urgent attention. It is creating a double pressure on health systems, primarily in high-income countries."