Human talent in health other than doctors in Colombia: A characterization by geographic distribution and occupational category in the period 2018-2022

Introduction: Human resources for health are the foundation of health systems. In Colombia, studies have been conducted to diagnose the employment situation of personnel other than doctors and specialists. However, no studies were found that characterize the geographical distribution and by occupational category of nonmedical health personnel. Methodology: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the distribution of health personnel in Colombia, excluding doctors and specialists, using the database of the Ministry of Health and the statistical analysis tool R to perform the distribution of health personnel by geographic area and the ratio of the number of health personnel available to the population of each department was calculated. Results: It was found that Antioquia is the department with the most considerable number of nonmedical personnel and the highest density of health workers, while departments such as Guainía, Guaviare, Vaupés, and Vichada have insufficient numbers. Discussion: The importance of nursing in the Colombian health system and the need to carry out more studies on the distribution of health personnel in the country are highlighted. Conclusion: The human resource in health in Colombia is insufficient to cover the needs of the different departments, especially in the country's peripheral regions. It is necessary to address the challenges to strengthen access to these remote and difficult-to-access areas.