SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR DOCTORS IN THE PHILIPPINES

SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR DOCTORS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The shortage of doctors in the Philippines poses a significant challenge to achieving Universal Health Care (UHC). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a country needs 14.3 doctors per 10,000 people to ensure adequate healthcare. With a population exceeding 111 million, the Philippines requires around 116,032 physicians. However, only about 95,039 doctors are actively practicing, leaving a shortfall of 20,993.

Bridging the Gap

Each year, the country produces approximately 8,000 new doctors. Yet, about 6,000 of them leave for opportunities abroad, resulting in a net retention of only 2,000 doctors annually. At this rate, closing the gap would take at least a decade. This timeline underscores the urgency of innovative strategies to address the imbalance.

Potential Solutions

1.   Re-engaging Non-Practicing Doctors: The Philippines has 64,244 registered doctors who are not actively practicing. Incentivizing even a third of them to return could eliminate the shortfall in a matter of years.

2.   Attracting Filipino Doctors Abroad: Offering competitive incentives to Filipino doctors working overseas could encourage them to return and serve locally.

3.   Mandatory Local Service: Requiring new doctors to serve in the Philippines for a set number of years before working abroad is another option. This policy could ensure a steady supply of healthcare professionals for underserved areas.

4.   Leveraging International Talent: The Philippines is already a destination for foreign medical students, particularly from India. Annually, around 8,746 Indian students graduate from local medical schools. If even a fraction of these graduates stay and practice in the Philippines, they could help fill the gap. Additionally, the country could incentivize doctors from ASEAN member nations to work here under existing agreements.

5.   Scholarship Programs: Providing scholarships with conditions for local service can build a pipeline of committed medical professionals. Offering support to individuals from other professions who wish to pursue medicine could also widen the talent pool.

6.   Adopting Global Best Practices: Countries like India and Chile have successfully implemented programs to address healthcare professional shortages. The Philippines could learn from their experiences and tailor similar programs to local needs.

Beyond Numbers: Improving Retention

Improving working conditions and offering competitive salaries are essential to retaining doctors. Many healthcare professionals leave due to inadequate facilities, limited growth opportunities, and poor compensation. Addressing these issues could make practicing in the Philippines more attractive.

A Call to Action

The shortage of doctors is not just a numbers game—it’s a matter of public health and equity. The government must take decisive steps to ensure every Filipino has access to quality healthcare. From incentivizing retention to leveraging foreign talent, there are multiple avenues to explore.

What are your thoughts? Can we turn the tide and ensure that the supply of doctors meets the demand? Addressing this issue is critical not only for UHC but for the nation’s overall well-being.

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Ramon Ike V. Seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

02-12-2025

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