Overview

• The Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) reports that 27% of Spain's 310,558 registered doctors are over 65, with 45% over 55, signaling an impending wave of retirements.
• Pharmacists and nurses also face aging challenges, with 19% and 12% respectively over the age of 65, highlighting broader workforce vulnerabilities.
• Regions like Castilla y León and Galicia are particularly affected, with 33.8% and nearly 40% of their medical professionals nearing or surpassing retirement age.
• Despite a 2.6% rise in registered healthcare professionals in 2024, surpassing one million for the first time, recruitment and retention efforts lag behind the growing demand.
• Calls intensify for policies to extend retirement ages, boost training slots, and improve work-life balance to address looming shortages in primary and specialized care.