The Growing Need for Healthcare Workers

Who Are Healthcare Workers and What do they do?

Health care workers are individuals that work in health facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and treatment centers. They are primarily focused on providing care; whether it’s through a hands-on role such as nurse, midwife, or physician, through support roles such as technical or administrative assistance, and policy-development. They may be involved in various types of health-related domains, including dentistry, midwifery, medicine, community/public health, or pharmacy. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 59 million people in the healthcare sector around the world.

Hazards to Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers face certain hazards that individuals working in other sectors don’t necessarily face. They come into contact with sick people on a daily basis, and may therefore be exposed to biological hazards such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or the flu. In providing treatments, they may be exposed to chemically hazardous materials or substances, such as ethylene oxide. Physical hazards to healthcare workers can include radiation, heavy lifting, and excess noise. Finally, the psychological effect of healthcare work is one of the most difficult to manage. Those in the healthcare industry may be exposed to violence or trauma. They may also suffer from stress and have to do shift work as a condition of employment. In all, working in the healthcare sector is not a light undertaking, although it does come with the reward of being able to directly help people to achieve better health.

Protecting the Needs and Rights of Healthcare Workers

As the world’s population continues to grow, with people living longer each and every year, it is becoming more and more important to recognize and protect healthcare workers. These individuals are not immune to the risks that they face on a daily basis on the job, including illness and disease. Although part of their job is putting the people that they provide care for first, this doesn’t lessen the potential impact of workplace hazards on their personal well-being. Protecting healthcare workers is also about providing better care for patients. When healthcare workers are healthy themselves, they are better able to assist others in getting healthy as well.

Countries that Need Healthcare Workers

Many countries around the world face a dire shortage of healthcare workers. In 2006, WHO reported that 57 countries were at a crisis level when it came to the number of healthcare workers that were available to serve the population. The same report indicated that 4.3 million healthcare workers would be needed to address the deficit. Developing countries face a special need for healthcare workers that extends beyond merely hiring qualified individuals. It also has to do with the working conditions in place for healthcare workers. Is the pay adequate? Are healthcare facilities clean and modern? Is the employer, whether in the public or private sector, invested in the health of healthcare workers? Every country must focus on promoting the health sector workforce. Otherwise, locally-trained doctors or nurses are likely to seek employment in other countries where working conditions are more favorable.

In the United States

The health sector in the United States employs an estimated 18 million people and continues to grow rapidly. As Baby Boomers age, the need for trained healthcare workers will only increase. Currently, approximately 80% of all health care workers in the U.S. are women. In 2010, $330 million of the federal budget was invested in helping to increase the presence of healthcare professionals in areas that have an identified need. The United States Congress has also formally recognized the efforts of those employed in the healthcare sector through a resolution called “H. Res. 743.” This resolution indicates how crucial the role of health care workers on the front lines are; they have saved the lives of thousands, improved global health outcomes, and encouraged millions to achieve better health. In rural communities, these workers are especially valuable and have a profound impact on the individuals in their towns and villages. Naturally, this resolution also calls for an increase in those working on the front lines of health care, which will help the United States to continue to achieve its health-related goals, such as reducing HIV infections and curbing infant mortality.