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Healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals play a key role in the German labour market, a sector that is particularly important due to the ageing population and growing demand for healthcare. Here is an overview of the main dynamics that make up this sector.

  • Doctors: 
    The majority work in outpatient care (private practices, clinics) and a significant number work in hospitals. The country is experiencing a growing shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas.
  • Nurses and nursing assistants: 
    This is the largest group in the healthcare sector, with around 1.3 million people working as nurses and nursing assistants. As in many countries, demand in this area is high due to the challenges associated with an ageing population and long-term care.
  • Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals: 
    They are employed in pharmacies, as well as a considerable number of physiotherapists, psychologists and other healthcare specialists working in healthcare facilities.

The distribution of professionals

  • Doctors and nurses are heavily concentrated in urban areas. However, there is a real shortage of professionals in rural areas, which has prompted the government to introduce initiatives to encourage young doctors to settle in these regions.
  • There has been an increase in the number of foreign workers in the healthcare sector in Germany, with doctors and nurses coming from countries such as Poland, Turkey, India, and Eastern European countries to meet growing needs.

Challenges and shortages

  • Skilled labour shortage: There is a shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals in certain specialist areas (general practitioners, anaesthetists, geriatricians). This shortage is exacerbated by the ageing population and the pressure of long-term care.
  • Remuneration: Salaries in the healthcare sector are relatively competitive in Germany, but working conditions, especially for nurses, are often considered difficult.
  • Continuing education: The German healthcare system emphasises continuing education for professionals. Doctors and nurses must undergo regular training to keep up to date with new medical practices and technologies.

Recent reforms and developments

  • The German government is implementing several reforms to improve the efficiency and attractiveness of healthcare professions. For example, there are programmes to attract more young professionals to the healthcare sector and to encourage people to work in underrepresented areas, such as geriatrics.
  • Digitisation of healthcare: The country is also investing in the digitisation of healthcare, which offers new opportunities for healthcare professionals, particularly with telemedicine, electronic medical records and the use of advanced technologies in hospitals and clinics.

Work-life balance

Healthcare professionals in Germany generally enjoy good benefits, such as generous paid leave, pension schemes and health insurance. However, the sector remains one of the most demanding in terms of stress, which has led to increased awareness of the challenges associated with work-life balance.

In summary

Healthcare professionals in Germany represent a significant portion of the labour market, and this sector is undergoing rapid change in order to respond to the challenges of an ageing population and shortages of skilled labour. Although there is high demand, especially in certain specialities, working conditions, continuing education and ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system.