Obstetric Anesthesia Manpower and Service Provision Issues: Introduction and European Perspective

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2023;55:103647) The global perspective on obstetric anesthesia emphasizes the critical role of universal health coverage, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations prioritizes achieving 80% global universal health coverage by 2030, recognizing the substantial gaps in emergency and essential surgical and anesthesia care. The shortage of health care workers, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC), is evident, focusing on the lack of anesthesia physicians. In Europe, standards for physician anesthesia providers are currently achieved, but concerns persist about workforce challenges. Obstetric anesthesia practices vary globally, and efforts to address shortages include fellowship programs to enhance competency and efficiency. Examples from European countries, such as Israel, demonstrate diverse approaches to training obstetric anesthesiologists, aiming to ensure quality care amid workforce challenges. The Israel Obstetric Anesthesia Society actively contributes to education and training, highlighting the ongoing need for improvement in aligning standards with daily practice.