Germany is facing a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, with unfilled positions hitting a record high in 2023/2024, as reported by a study from the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Labour at the German Economic Institute (IW). 

The country's healthcare sector is grappling with a significant workforce shortage, exacerbated by the increasing health demands of an ageing population. A recent study from the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Labour at the German Economic Institute (IW) revealed that around 47,400 positions in the healthcare sector remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified professionals. Physiotherapy faces the most critical shortage, with 11,600 vacancies reported. Other areas, such as dental assistance and nursing, are also struggling, with 7,350 and 7,100 unfilled positions, respectively. This staffing gap, driven by demographic shifts and an ageing population, is putting additional pressure on an already strained healthcare system.

according to reports, there is a critical shortage of skilled workers, with 47,400 positions currently unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants. Among these, the most significant gaps are in physiotherapy, which has 11,600 vacancies, followed by dental assistants with 7,350 vacancies and nursing staff with 7,100 vacancies. This shortage is closely tied to demographic shifts, as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s public health agency, projects that the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older will increase from the current 21% to 29% by 2030. This surge in the ageing population is expected to further escalate the need for skilled healthcare workers, particularly in roles that support elderly care and chronic disease management, intensifying the pressure on an already strained healthcare system.

The country experienced an average shortfall of more than 530,000 qualified workers across various industries from July 2023 to June 2024.  The construction sector experienced a notable impact, reporting 42,000 vacancies in preparatory construction work and related trades. 

Experts indicate that the increasing demands on current employees could affect service quality and highlight the immediate necessity for strategic actions to tackle the labour shortage. 

Training initiatives, improved working conditions, and policies aimed at attracting international professionals are among the measures being implemented. 

Germany's population is ageing, prompting stakeholders to emphasise the need for prompt measures to maintain the sustainability of critical sectors such as health care.