Around the world, health systems face a growing shortage of healthcare workers—projected to reach at least 10 million by 2030. This means that 3.2 billion people, many of whom live in low- and middle-income countries, cannot reach any healthcare service within an hour by foot.1 The gap threatens progress on health outcomes and is further strained by an aging population, uneven geographic distribution, limited training capacity, and workforce conditions. In the United States, the strain is acute in rural areas, where nearly 100 hospitals have closed over the past decade and one in three remaining facilities is at risk of following suit.2
Addressing the shortage will require health systems to support professionals throughout their career journey, expanding and diversifying talent pipelines, redesigning care delivery, and creating environments where health workers can build lasting, fulfilling careers. But increasing supply is only part of the solution. By shifting focus toward prevention, early intervention, and digital innovation, we can reduce avoidable demand and extend care to more people.
The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) is working with a global ecosystem to increase health worker capacity, unlocking healthier lives and enabling stronger, more sustainable health systems worldwide.
