In May 2026, at the GIMPHA (Global Initiative for Medical Professional Health Advancement) conference held in Tbilisi, one of the most important presentations focused on an issue that often remains in the shadows. Despite its critical importance for the functioning of modern healthcare systems, the mental health of healthcare professionals still does not receive the attention it truly deserves. It was precisely this topic that was addressed by Thomas Roubal, Health Policy Advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO), whose presentation focused on the emotional well-being of physicians and nurses, burnout, anxiety, depression, and the growing risk of leaving the profession.
What Does the Data Tell Us?
The data presented at the conference demonstrated that mental health challenges are no longer merely individual concerns but have become a systemic issue. This topic is important not only for healthcare workers themselves but also for patients, as the psychological well-being of medical staff directly affects the quality of care, clinical decision-making, and patient safety.
At the beginning of the presentation, participants were asked to evaluate their own psychological well-being. The average score was 56.6 out of 100, suggesting that a significant proportion of healthcare professionals perceive their mental well-being as only moderate or even below average.
Particularly noteworthy was participants’ perception of the prevalence of burnout and anxiety. According to respondents, severe burnout and anxiety are considerably more common among healthcare professionals than in the general population. The average rating was 4.3 on a five-point scale, where 5 indicated “much higher.” This finding reflects the widespread perception among healthcare workers that their profession is associated with extraordinary psychological strain.
One of the most striking aspects of the presentation concerned the prevalence of mental health problems among physicians. According to participants’ estimates, approximately 72.6% of doctors experience symptoms of anxiety, 60.6% show signs of depression, and 24.5% have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Additionally, 58.7% were believed to use alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism for stress.
A similar trend was observed among nurses. Participants estimated that 75.6% of nurses experience symptoms of anxiety, 62% show signs of depression, and 27.7% report self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Although these figures are based on participants’ perceptions rather than direct epidemiological studies, they clearly demonstrate the seriousness with which the issue is viewed within the professional community.
How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Change the Situation?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, attention to the mental health of physicians and nurses increased significantly. Numerous international studies have shown that burnout affects between 40% and 60% of physicians, while anxiety and depression have become major challenges for healthcare systems in many countries. The presentation connected these global trends to the realities faced in Georgia.
The risk of leaving the profession was another important topic. Participants indicated that a significant proportion of physicians are considering leaving medicine due to chronic stress and exhaustion, while the problem appears to be even more severe among nurses. This finding is particularly concerning at a time when many countries, including Georgia, are already experiencing shortages of qualified healthcare professionals.
The presentation also examined the primary factors contributing to psychological stress. For physicians, the most significant issues were identified as inadequate compensation, excessive workloads, staff shortages, and insufficient administrative support.
Among nurses, workload and financial difficulties received even higher ratings. Both factors scored 4.7 out of 5, indicating that working conditions are among the most important contributors to declining mental health among nursing professionals. Toxic workplace environments and a lack of resources were also identified as major concerns.
What Is the Solution?
According to participants, the most effective intervention would be increasing staffing levels to distribute patient workloads more evenly. The second most important measure was the establishment of free and confidential psychological support services, followed by mandatory limits on continuous working hours and shift durations.
These recommendations closely align with contemporary international approaches. In recent years, experts have increasingly emphasized that mental health challenges cannot be addressed solely through individual responsibility. Without systemic changes such as regulating working hours, increasing staffing levels, and improving administrative support, meaningful progress is unlikely.
Mr. Roubal’s message to the healthcare sector served as a call to action. While healthcare systems have traditionally focused primarily on patient well-being, it is becoming increasingly clear that the sustainability of healthcare depends equally on the well-being of healthcare professionals. Physicians and nurses make difficult decisions every day, work under immense pressure, and often place their own health second. For this reason, protecting their mental health should no longer be viewed as an individual concern—it is a matter of healthcare policy, clinical management, and societal responsibility.
The findings presented at GIMPHA 2026 clearly demonstrated that the mental health crisis among healthcare professionals is real. Ignoring this issue will ultimately harm not only physicians and nurses but the healthcare system as a whole. Therefore, one of the key priorities for the coming years should be creating an environment in which the well-being of healthcare professionals is considered just as important as the health of the patients they serve.
