Human resources for health

A health system is an expensive knowledge-based industry made up of professionals, paraprofessionals, and administrative and support personnel. Human resources to provide and manage public health and clinical services are crucial for developing and sustaining national and global health systems. High-income countries are replete with highly trained and motivated personnel but face issues such as increasing costs of care for aging populations and new categories of health workers. Low-income countries face severe human resource shortages, as training programs are underdeveloped. Health workforce issues include urban–rural differentiation, the promotion of standards and quality of care, specialization versus primary care, tensions between public and private health systems, and the integration of new health professions. The migration of health professionals from low- to high-income countries hampers the buildup of a critical mass of leaders, providers, and teachers to expand the capacity of health systems. Strategic policies are crucial for this field.