The Ministry of Health is set to release a new report on the supply and demand for specialist doctors in Spain, covering the period from 2023 to 2035. This update will provide more detailed information on private healthcare data, the use of foreign doctors, and part-time workdays. While the shortage of specialists has improved compared to previous reports, Family and Community Medicine remains a challenge within the National Health System.
The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, will highlight the areas of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Family and Community Medicine, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, and Radiodiagnosis as needing a greater number of physicians in the coming years. Patricia Barber, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, notes that there has been some improvement in the overall situation, but the deficit in Family and Community Medicine persists as a concern.
One of the key advancements in the new report is the inclusion of more data on private healthcare, thanks to collaboration with the Spanish Private Health Alliance. Additionally, the report will address part-time work in health and the employment of foreign doctors, vital for resource planning in the National Health System.
Recent data shows a significant number of foreign medical degrees approved in Spain, mostly from Latin American professionals. The approval of these degrees has helped alleviate the doctor shortage in the country. Meanwhile, the number of Spanish doctors leaving the country for work opportunities abroad remains low.
The report also highlights the consistent feminization of the National Health System, with around 60 percent of doctors being female. However, in some specialties, this percentage is declining, while in others, such as MIR, it continues to rise. The data, collected by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, emphasizes the stability of this trend.
Overall, the upcoming report on specialist doctors in Spain provides valuable insights into the current and future needs of the healthcare system. While the situation has improved in some areas, challenges remain, particularly in Family and Community Medicine. It is essential for healthcare professionals and policymakers to consider this information for effective resource planning and ensuring quality healthcare for all.