How are the numbers of health workers - and the gap - calculated?
Q: How are the numbers of health workers - and the gap - calculated?
A: The figures in the World Health Report 2006 are the most accurate that could be obtained, but statistics to do with health workers and health systems are not easily reported, gathered and verified.
Most countries do not know and have no way of knowing how many health workers they employ - even in developed countries. In some regions and countries 'observatories' have been set up to help calculate numbers of health workers -- these are needed universally and The Alliance is helping with the setting up of such facilities. Ideally, countries should have national observatories, which would monitor and analyse health systems and help tailor and coordinate health, education and labour policies to the country's needs. This has been initiated in some countries, but more must be done.