Ukraine short of 46,000 doctors, says National Medical University rector
Kyiv, August 8 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukraine has 22% fewer doctors than it needs, representing a shortage of 46,000 doctors, rector of the Bohomolets National Medical University Vitaliy Moskalenko said during a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.
According to Moskalenko, the number of full-time jobs in the healthcare system was 243,970 people as of January 1, 2011. Meanwhile, 197,100 of these jobs were occupied, which is 78% of the total amount. Twenty-four percent of working doctors have reached retirement age.
Moskalenko said that 10 years ago this indicator was 20%, while during the Soviet times it was 15%. The situation is worsening because doctors are emigrating, he said.
Meanwhile, only 11,000 doctors graduate from Ukraine's universities every year, making it difficult for new graduates to make up for the shortfall in doctor numbers, he said.
Nevertheless, there are plans to tackle the problem, Moskalenko said. In particular, it is planned to reduce number of beds in hospitals, while increasing the efficiency of the first aid system. In addition, contracts are to be made with the local authorities to train doctors under contract. Moreover, the brightest medical students will be put on accelerated training courses.
Due to these measures, the number of medical graduates is to double within the next few years, the rector said.