South Africa Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
South Africa's physicians was 0.81 in 2025, ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1965–2025.
Overview
South Africa's physicians stood at 0.81 in 2025, a rise of +0.01 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.81 by 2025. South Africa ranked 84th globally.
South Africa's physician-to-population ratio has experienced a moderate increase over the past five decades, with a notable improvement in recent years. As of 2025, the country boasts a ratio of 0.81 physicians per 1,000 people, ranking 84th globally. This figure represents a significant improvement from the all-time low of 0.49 in 1965, when South Africa's healthcare infrastructure was still in its early stages of development. The country's progress in this area is comparable to that of peer nations like Bangladesh, which also boasts a relatively high ratio of 0.78 physicians per 1,000 people. However, South Africa still lags behind other countries with more developed healthcare systems, such as Nepal, which has a ratio of 1.10 physicians per 1,000 people. To continue improving its healthcare outcomes, South Africa will need to sustain its investment in medical education and training, as well as address ongoing challenges related to healthcare access and distribution.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.81 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.81 | +0.01 | #84 |
| 2022 | 0.79 | +0.01 | #76 |
| 2021 | 0.78 | +0.00 | #88 |
| 2019 | 0.78 | +0.04 | #93 |
| 2018 | 0.74 | −0.03 | #100 |
| 2017 | 0.78 | +0.02 | #100 |
| 2016 | 0.75 | −0.01 | #93 |
| 2015 | 0.76 | +0.02 | #88 |
| 2014 | 0.74 | +0.01 | #95 |
| 2013 | 0.73 | +0.01 | #85 |
| 2012 | 0.72 | +0.01 | #89 |
| 2011 | 0.71 | +0.00 | #86 |
| 2010 | 0.71 | +0.02 | #91 |
| 2009 | 0.69 | +0.01 | #90 |
| 2008 | 0.68 | +0.00 | #88 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's physicians was 0.81 in 2025. Ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's physicians peaked at 0.81 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in South Africa was 0.49 in 1965.
South Africa ranks 84th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's physicians is projected to reach 0.81 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of South Africa in 2025 was 0.81. This ranks 84th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_physicians,
title = {South Africa Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}