Record number of doctors working in Ireland - report

In Ireland, the number of doctors practicing has surpassed 22,000, according to a new report by the Medical Council titled Medical Workforce Intelligence 2025. The growing population of Ireland has resulted in a greater demand for healthcare services, leading to an expanding healthcare workforce. The report highlights a more diverse workforce, with internationally trained doctors making up a significant portion of the medical professionals.

The majority of these doctors hail from Pakistan and Sudan. In recent years, the number of female doctors has also increased, accounting for just over half of the workforce. However, the report reveals that doctors are facing numerous challenges, including excessive workloads, bureaucracy, and overcrowding, which impede their ability to provide quality patient care.

Over 4,700 doctors reported working over 48 hours a week, exceeding the limits set by the European Working Time Directive. Retaining doctors who have trained in Ireland and subsequently choose to work within the country is proving to be a significant challenge, as many are subjected to long hours, leading to stress and burnout. The President of the Medical Council, Professor Deirdre J Murphy, emphasized the importance of a diverse medical workforce, reflecting the changing demographics of patients and communities across the country.

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill, is actively working towards implementing an Electronic Medical Records system in all hospitals to alleviate the bureaucratic burden on doctors and improve patient flow, ultimately reducing overcrowding.