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I.3.2 Characterization of the Migration Patterns in Europe
As said above, this part focuses on the stocks and flows of medical doctors in different
countries of Europe. It addresses also the implications of the EU enlargement, the
motivating factors besides the constraints to migration. The role of education and its links
with the availability of medical doctors in relation to the new economics of skilled labor
migration are also introduced.
1. Measuring immigration: stock and flows of medical doctors
Measurement in terms of stocks and flows are respectively introduced and discussed.
1.1: Stocks
With regard to stocks and according to the WHO, there are 16.6 millions of health
workers 65 in Europe, representing an average of 18.9 per 1 000 population. Health service
providers account for 69% of these and health management and support workers
represent 31% (5.1 million). Nevertheless, there is considerable heterogeneity in the
distribution and composition of health workers between and within countries in the
European Region (WHO Europe, 2007). Data on the stock of physicians reveals
significant variations across regions. The highest density is registered in the
Commonwealth of Independent states with 373.5 physicians per 100 000 population. The
density of health workers tends to be highest in the European Union countries (see Table
1). Italy ranks the first doctor density (618 doctors per 100 000) and Albania ranks the
lowest doctor density with 118 doctors per 100 000 population (see Table I.3.2.1).
Table I.3.2.1 Number of health workers per 100 000 population, 2002
Region Physicians Nurses Midwives Pharmacists
European Region 351.22 669.02 45.07 50.93
European Union 343.56 708.26 35.95 77.54
Central Asian
Republics
293.14 767.68 66.9 16.38
65 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health workers are defined as “all people engaged
in actions whose primary intent is to enhance health”. One can distinguish between health service
providers, and health system workers. Here we focus on health service providers such as physicians (see,
WHO, 2006, p. 16).
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