One in five doctors across the Asia‑Pacific region are now weighing a job change, a trend that mirrors rising patient demand outpacing the supply of clinicians, according to a new Bain & Company report.
Workload and Recognition Drive Exit Intentions
Nearly half of the physicians surveyed—49{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481}—pointed to excessive workload as the main reason they might leave. Lack of recognition followed closely at 47{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481}, while 36{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} cited burnout. The data come from Bain’s 2026 Asia‑Pacific Front Line of Healthcare Report, which sampled 600 doctors in Australia and the Philippines.
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Consumer Expectations Rise Faster Than Supply
Across the nine markets surveyed, 84{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} of consumers say they want more convenience from health services, and 71{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} expect doctors to respond through phone, WhatsApp or email. Regular check‑ups have become more common, with 60{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} of respondents now scheduling them compared with 47{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} a year earlier.
The region, home to about 60{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} of the world’s population, accounts for just 22{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} of global health spending. Emerging markets average roughly 1.6 doctors per 1,000 people, below the World Health Organization’s benchmark of 2.5 per 1,000 (WHO data).
Patient Pain Points Remain Persistent
Long wait times dominate patient complaints, accompanied by difficulties securing appointments, high costs and administrative complexity.
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Doctor‑Reported Workflow Challenges
About one‑third of doctors reported significant inefficiencies in daily workflows, and 40{7729880385ace00763d744956af66a2dd6156639dea227c3bc209fe61f7ca481} said they spend a large portion of their time on repetitive administrative tasks that could be automated.
Implications for Health Systems
The report’s findings highlight a widening gap between growing demand and constrained workforce capacity. With demand for services accelerating and doctor turnover risk rising, health systems may need to reconsider staffing models, invest in automation and redesign patient interaction pathways.
Some policymakers argue that increasing medical school enrolments alone won’t close the gap quickly enough. Others point to the need for better recognition programs and support structures to retain existing talent.
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What Might Change
In the short term, hospitals and clinics could look to streamline administrative processes, perhaps by adopting tools that handle scheduling and documentation. In the longer view, expanding the role of non‑physician providers and integrating community‑based care may alleviate pressure on doctors.
Patients keep demanding convenient, responsive care.