St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, has warned that Africa’s healthcare systems remain under “severe” strain due to a widening shortage of doctors.

Citing projections from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the university said the global health workforce deficit could reach nearly 10 million by 2030, with low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, bearing the heaviest burden.

SGU highlighted that Africa continues to face a stark imbalance, accounting for roughly 24 percent of the global disease burden but having access to only about three per cent of the world’s health workforce.

The varsity said the disparity poses a serious threat to healthcare delivery and outcomes across the continent.

According to the institution, the growing gap underscores the need for urgent and sustained investment in medical education and workforce development systems capable of meeting rising demand.

The university pointed out that demographic and epidemiological shifts, including longer life expectancy, ageing populations, and a surge in non-communicable diseases, are intensifying pressure on already overstretched health systems.

“Medical professionals today are faced with increasing responsibilities which can lead to burnout and reduce their ability to provide optimal care for patients,” the university said.

SGU said addressing the crisis goes beyond increasing enrolment in medical schools, emphasising the importance of building sustainable training pathways and creating systems that support graduates to practise and contribute within their home regions.

The university said it is contributing to efforts to bridge the gap by training African students and equipping them with the clinical skills and competencies needed to strengthen healthcare systems.

“Building sustainable pathways that enable students to access quality medical training while contributing to healthcare systems across the continent is critical,” it said.

SGU explained that its medical training model integrates foundational sciences with early clinical exposure and multidisciplinary learning to prepare students for increasingly complex healthcare environments.

The university added that prospective students can pursue different training routes, including a four-year doctor of medicine (MD) programme as well as extended five, six, and seven-year tracks tailored to diverse academic backgrounds.

The institution noted that students also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations across more than 75 affiliated hospitals and health centres in the United States and the United Kingdom.

With a global alumni network of over 25,000 practising physicians, SGU said its graduates are helping to mitigate doctor shortages while bringing international expertise to patient care.

The university also highlighted its dual MD/MPH programme, which combines clinical training with public health disciplines such as epidemiology and health policy, enabling doctors to respond to health challenges at both individual and population levels.

SGU said expanding access to quality medical education remains essential.

“Strengthening physician training pathways is not simply an academic priority; it is a strategic healthcare imperative,” the university said.
By Jesupemi Are
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