Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Healthcare professionals in Brazil - Statistics & Facts
Brazil is the country with the fourth highest number of physicians in the world, while having the seventh largest population. As of 2023, it was estimated that the South American country had a density of around two physicians per 1,000 people, a figure forecast to remain relatively stable in the coming years. In comparison to Cuba - the country with the highest density of physicians worldwide and where this value amounts to 9.15 physicians per 1,000 people - this figure is, however, relatively low.
Among doctors, the most common specialties are internal medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery, with the workforce within these categories forecast to increase consistently. Within the category of dental professionals, dental surgeons account for the highest number, followed by oral health assistants and oral health technicians. As for the regional distribution, most healthcare workers are located in densely populated cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Overall, the healthcare system in Brazil is backed up by its complete healthcare workforce. From community health workers to specialized physicians, all these professionals play a role in ensuring healthcare services for the population. Enough personnel, and proper skill building and technical support, will be key to improving and furthering access.
What characterizes the healthcare professionals’ landscape in Brazil?
The healthcare professionals’ landscape in Brazil is characterized by a high density of community health workers, the highest in Latin America. This results from an effort from the Brazilian government to support preventative and primary health care through strategic programs. When it comes to nursing and midwifery personnel, the number more than doubles that of physicians. However, the ratio of nurses to physicians is one of the lowest in the region. In contrast, while dentists are relatively few in number when compared to other medical professionals, the density of dentists in Brazil is comparatively high within Latin America.Among doctors, the most common specialties are internal medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery, with the workforce within these categories forecast to increase consistently. Within the category of dental professionals, dental surgeons account for the highest number, followed by oral health assistants and oral health technicians. As for the regional distribution, most healthcare workers are located in densely populated cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Women in medicine
As of 2022, there were a total of 283,000 women and 319,000 men who were active medical doctors, with dermatology, pediatrics, and endocrinology the specializations with the highest percentage of women, reaching a share of over 70 percent. Among nursing personnel, this figure reaches over 86 percent. In contrast, specialties such as urology, orthopedics, traumatology, and neurosurgery have less than 10 percent of their personnel as women. When it comes to monthly salary, the 2020 average was more than 10,000 Brazilian reals higher for men who are healthcare professionals than it was for women.Overall, the healthcare system in Brazil is backed up by its complete healthcare workforce. From community health workers to specialized physicians, all these professionals play a role in ensuring healthcare services for the population. Enough personnel, and proper skill building and technical support, will be key to improving and furthering access.
