Suggested actions for development of national human resources for health observatories in the South-East Asia Region

Abstract

Health systems need adequate numbers of competent and motivated human resources for health (‎HRH)‎ with a good balance in their categories in order to function efficiently and effectively. However, most countries in the South-East Asia Region face a shortage and maldistribution of health workforce along with inappropriate mix of skills. In order to address national HRH challenges effectively, the actions to be undertaken must be derived from sound information and reliable research. Yet, the review of HRH country profiles conducted in February 2012 reveals that the HRH information system in most countries is inadequate to provide an evidence base for effective HRH planning and management. The need for better HRH information to inform policy development has led to the creation of HRH observatories in various countries throughout the world. These observatories contribute to, among others, improving the information and evidence on HRH as well as informing and shaping health and health workforce policies. Member States are urged to organize a national HRH observatory to facilitate the production, sharing and use of quantitative and qualitative information on HRH to support the development and implementation of evidence-based HRH policies and plans in the country. This document provides information on the objectives and core functions of the HRH observatory as well as suggested actions to guide countries in organizing the national HRH observatory.