Health systems globally face persistent human resources for health (HRH) challenges, including workforce shortages, inequitable distribution, attrition, and migration. While efforts to increase workforce production continue, maintaining competencies and aligning skills with evolving system needs remain critical gaps. Traditional training models emphasize hospital-based, curative care, whereas contemporary health systems require promotive, preventive, rehabilitative, palliative, and crisis-response capacities. Fee-for-service payment structures often incentivize volume over outcomes and treatment over prevention, further distorting practice patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored workforce vulnerabilities during public health emergencies and conflicts, highlighting the need for surge capacity and stronger protection mechanisms. Additionally, emerging technologies such as AI are reshaping clinical practice, requiring adaptive competencies and lifelong learning systems. This session examines whether a national competency framework and reforms in continued professional education are necessary to build a fit-for-purpose, crisis-ready health workforce.
Explore pathways to develop a consensus-based national competency framework for HRH.
Identify reforms in health professional education to produce a fit-for-purpose workforce.
Discuss innovative payment reforms to incentivize holistic and preventive practice models.
Examine strategies to prepare and mobilize the workforce for future public health crises and technological transitions.
Consider international legal and policy mechanisms to protect health professionals during conflicts and emergencies.