London/Geneva, September 22, 2026: Europe’s healthcare systems are facing increasing pressure from an ageing medical workforce, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that shortages of doctors, nurses and other health professionals could become more difficult to manage during the coming decade.

A new WHO report based on health workforce information from more than 100 countries estimates that the global shortage of health workers could reach 11.1 million by 2030. The organisation also says that nearly one in four doctors worldwide is aged 55 or older, putting a significant portion of the medical workforce within the next decade’s retirement window.

Europe faces particular demographic pressure

According to WHO, higher-income countries, particularly in Europe, are expected to experience substantial workforce pressure because they have a comparatively older health workforce. The report estimates that around one in three doctors in these countries could retire during the next 10 years.

At the same time, European populations are ageing, increasing demand for healthcare and long-term care services. This creates a two-sided challenge: healthcare systems need more professionals just as a significant share of their existing workforce approaches retirement.

WHO/Europe estimates that the region could face a shortage of nearly 1 million health workers by 2030.

UK healthcare system also dealing with workforce challenges

The United Kingdom is part of this wider European picture. The NHS has continued to face pressure from workforce shortages, high demand and an ageing population.

The demographic challenge is particularly significant because older populations generally require more healthcare services, while experienced doctors and nurses are themselves approaching retirement.

WHO/Europe has therefore emphasised that simply recruiting additional workers will not be enough. Countries also need long-term workforce planning, better retention measures, improved working conditions and stronger training systems.

Shortages could affect access to care

The WHO estimates that 67 countries could lack enough health workers by 2030 to maintain their current level of healthcare staffing. Maintaining existing health-worker-to-population ratios would require an additional 832,000 workers, according to the organisation.

For healthcare systems, shortages can affect the availability of medical appointments, hospital services and specialist care. WHO has also highlighted the importance of retaining existing workers rather than relying solely on international recruitment.

Nurses face additional pressure

The workforce challenge extends beyond doctors. WHO/Europe has reported significant pressure on nursing staff, including concerns about workloads, working conditions and retention.

In a June 2026 meeting, WHO/Europe said survey evidence showed depression and anxiety among doctors and nurses at levels substantially higher than those found in the general population. The organisation called for measures including improved working conditions, better workload management and stronger support for health professionals.

Training and retention become increasingly important

Healthcare authorities are now looking at several approaches to prepare for the coming workforce transition.

These include expanding medical and nursing education, improving professional retention, using workforce data for long-term planning, strengthening primary care and making greater use of digital technologies.

WHO/Europe has also stressed that countries need to make healthcare careers sustainable so that trained professionals remain in the workforce for longer.

A global challenge with different regional effects

The workforce shortage will not affect every country in the same way. Wealthier countries may have greater financial resources but face significant retirement pressures, while lower-income countries can experience shortages because of limited training capacity, migration and difficulties retaining professionals.

WHO’s latest assessment therefore puts workforce planning at the centre of future healthcare policy.

With populations ageing in many parts of the world, healthcare systems will need to prepare simultaneously for higher demand and the retirement of experienced professionals. The coming years will show how effectively countries can expand training, retain workers and adapt healthcare delivery to changing demographic conditions.