The survey commissioned by the Food and Health Bureau, and conducted by the University of Hong Kong, estimates the city will need more than 1,000 extra doctors by 2030. In addition, significant shortages of other professionals, namely dentists, general nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, will also exist. This is set in the context of an aging population, which will increase the demand for healthcare services. In contrast, the number of pharmicists is forecast to be sufficient.
The report includes recommendations for meeting these shortages, such as including a further increase in public and privately funded training places at tertiary institutions, retaining existing labour by asking the retired to take on part-time work, and recruiting non-local professionals.
Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services, British Council Hong Kong (steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk):
Hong Kong students who are studying Health Science subjects in the UK can be confident that employment prospects will be very strong when returning to Hong Kong. University representatives who are recruiting students in Hong Kong may wish to use this information when counselling students about subject choices.
According to July Study UK exhibition registration data, Health Science is currently the second most popular subject area among Hong Kong students, after Business Studies. However, medicine students face a barrier before they can practice in Hong Kong, as non-locally trained doctors need to pass the Licensing Examination administered by the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) and complete an internship assessment in Hong Kong. Proposals to alleviate the doctor shortage do not include removing this barrier. Registration for other Healthcare professionals is more open.
Sources:
http://www.hpdo.gov.hk/doc/e_sr_final_report.pdf
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2098354/h…
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/176/175/94/1497459420560.html