Bashkiria Health Ministry reported on shortage of medical professionals

Compared to last year, the number of doctors in Bashkiria decreased by 197 people, or 1.4%; the data was published in the report of the Healthcare Ministry "Development of Healthcare RB" for the third quarter.

The optimal number of doctors has not been reached. In 2020, there should be 37 doctors for every 10 thousand patients. At the end of the third quarter, the indicator was 35.8.

The decrease in the number of doctors is associated with a high turnover of personnel in the republic's medical organizations and elderly doctors' retirement. This year, more than 20% of experienced doctors of the total number decided to take their merited retirement.

They leave the profession due to not high enough wages, dangerous and challenging working conditions, high labor intensity, high levels of stress, and difficulties in providing housing.

The number of doctors providing medical care on an outpatient basis has also decreased. Compared to 2019, their number declined by 180, or 2.1%. The indicator per 10 thousand of the population was 20.8 instead of 21.1.

According to Bashkortostan Statistics Agency data for January-June 2020, there were about 14.3 thousand doctors in Bashkiria. Their average salary was 71 thousand rubles. The number of paramedical personnel in the region was 37.4 thousand people; the nursing staff is much less - 2 thousand people.

As the Bashinform News Agency previously reported, in connection with therapists' workload, resident and senior students of the Bashkir State Medical University are directed to work in medical institutions. 150 medical residents have recently started to work as district therapists in polyclinics in Ufa. More than 1,200 residents are already working in hospitals and clinics in the region in various positions. Another 200 future doctors are in reserve and can start working at the request of medical organizations.