Australia will need 100,000 Healthcare Workers by 2025

Sanjay Yadav
[Published 29 Jul, 2024 | 11:43 AM]
About Author - 5 min read
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The healthcare sector in Australia is grappling with acute scarcity of workers. However, this is also an amazing opportunity for skilled overseas professionals in terms of Australia PR for Healthcare workers.

The demand for healthcare workers has been propelled by the nation’s aging population and a nearly 15% spike in demand for medical services is anticipated in the next 3 years.

At present, 1.7 million workers are employed in the Healthcare sector which is the top employer and represents 30% of the workforce. However, it is projected that it will face a shortage of 100,000 workers by 2025. This implies abundant job prospects and multiple PR Visa options for healthcare workers in Australia.

Many factors have resulted in the challenging scenario including the aging population that has enhanced the pressure on medical services, specifically in the rural and remote areas having limited access.

Further, technological progress and medical advancements demand specialized skills from healthcare workers that further strain the available workforce.

The Healthcare sector has expanded almost twice

The healthcare sector is employing 1 out of 8 Australians currently and is the largest employer in Australia. Further, it is highly well-educated as 3/4th of its employees possess a Post-school qualification.

Moreover, the Healthcare system in Australia is acknowledged as one of the best globally.

So why is it facing a scenario of scarcity of workers? While this issue is complicated, industry analysts and experts focus on three key points:

Point 1

The Australian Bureau of Statistics- ABS studies reveal that the percentage of aged Australians (means those who are aged 65 and above) is set to dramatically increase in the next few decades due to increasing life expectancy and sustained low fertility.

Older Australians constituted 9% of the population in 1976 and this increased to 15% in 2016, projected to reach 22% by 2056. Significantly, average health expense is constantly higher in senior people. These have higher rates of hospitalization, secondary care needs, and primary care needs.

Point 2

Similar to any other developed nation, Australia is witnessing swelling rates of ailments about alcohol, smoking, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and high exposure to the sun. These are inclusive of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Ian Frazer, the 2006 Australian of the Year states that “1/3rd of the health system costs are from obesity, alcohol, smoking, and sun exposure.

Point 3

The latest advancements in medical technologies and treatments, from advanced scanning techniques to novel medications have resulted in increasing health costs and results in fresh demands on public health systems and private patients.

The way out

To address the critical issue, it is crucial to have a multi-faceted and comprehensive approach.

First, the Healthcare sector has to take measures to allure and retain workers and offer better benefits, competitive salaries, and improvised conditions at work. Offering abundant opportunities for professional growth and advancement of career can also attract skilled professionals to remain in the healthcare industry.

Investment in education and training programs is crucial to develop the expertise and skills of workers and to attract fresh talent to the industry. By offering the required support and training, the healthcare sector can ensure that it has a skilled and sustainable workforce to fulfill the increasing demand for medical services.

Subsequently, improving the work conditions in the healthcare industry is equally crucial. Decreasing the workload and management of stress levels for healthcare workers can result in enhanced morale and job satisfaction. In addition, this can lessen turnover rates eventually resulting in a highly productive and stable workforce.

The healthcare sector also needs to embrace innovation and technology with a futuristic perspective.

Conclusion

With the astounding 5% growth witnessed in just the last year in 2023, the medical services demand continues to rapidly escalate. It is imperative that the industry acts decisively to address the shortage of workers to secure the future of healthcare.

By implementing extensive measures and getting equipped for the future through innovation, the healthcare industry can continue its crucial mission of offering quality care to the nation.

If you want to know more about the PR Visa options for healthcare workers in Australia contact Best Immigration Consultant in India at Nationwide Visas.

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