The economic crisis has put health systems under pressure to make fundamental reforms in the way they deliver healthcare. New forms of care delivery and new technologies coupled with organisational changes will depend on a highly qualified health workforce equipped with the right skills.
Health professionals play an important role in the EU economy, accounting for about 17.1 million jobs. With an ageing population – the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to almost double over the next 50 years, from 87 million in 2010 to 153 million in 2060 – and the rising demand for healthcare, the sector will remain a driver for providing jobs in years to come.
The European Commission's ‘employment package’ targets the health sector to create jobs in the longer term. An action plan for the EU health workforce sets out actions to support European cooperation to ensure a sustainable health workforce in the EU:
• Improve workforce planning and forecasting through a Joint Action, which will set up a European platform fostering exchange of expertise.
• Better anticipate skill needs of health professionals through European networks in the fields of education, training and health.
• Improve recruitment and retention of health professionals by mapping innovative strategies and working with the European social partners in the hospital sector.
• Support the WHO Global Code of Practice on the international recruitment of health personnel.
We will work closely with our partners to put these actions into practice.
