As the demand for healthcare workforces surge across MENA and the globe, how can educators respond strategically to meet the needs of a changing world?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), like many other countries around the world, faces significant demand for medical doctors and healthcare support personnel. This need comes as a response to the population growth, the increased focus on health consciousness, and the advancement of medical technologies.
In the UAE, the healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, due to rising population and an emphasis on medical tourism. The country has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, leading to an increase in the number of hospitals and clinics. For instance, there are over 40 hospitals and more than 140 clinics across the UAE, with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) serving as a major hub for medical tourism and expertise.
The surging demand for healthcare professionals
The ongoing expansion of healthcare needs human capital expansion as well. The UAE alone will require thousands of healthcare professionals by 2030, including physicians, nurses and healthcare support staff, as the demand is not limited to general practitioners but also extends to health administration.
Globally, the healthcare sector is facing similar expansion challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there will be a shortfall of approximately 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
This global shortage is also exacerbated by factors such as aging populations, the increasing burden of chronic diseases, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems worldwide. Advanced medical technologies, while beneficial, also require a workforce with specialized skills to operate and maintain them.
How educators can respond
The need for medical doctors and healthcare workers in the UAE and globally is a pressing issue that requires multifaceted solutions. Educational institutions need to be active partners in building the necessary skills capacity to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector by investing in educational pathways and leveraging technology. Experiential learning through healthcare partnerships is critical to the transition from education to professional practice.
A recent partnership between Canadian University Dubai and Global University Systems Canada is one example of a solution to help address the ongoing shortages. The University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with a focus on health administration, provides an alternative structured pathway to a career in medicine. This cutting-edge partnership is the first of its kind in the UAE and MENA region.
Graduates can enter one of three medical schools in North America where they undertake practice-based learning through partner hospitals across the US and Canada. This initiative not only enhances the educational opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals but also ensures that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.
Such initiatives are pivotal in ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern healthcare. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize education, training, and retention strategies to ensure that the workforce can deliver high-quality care to an increasingly health-conscious population.
