In a recent opinion piece from Altinget, the author discusses the implications of a report from the Danish Ministry of Finance's Statistical Committee that forecasts a surplus of doctors in Denmark by 2035. This projection, which estimates an excess of about 8,000 physicians, has sparked significant debate within the healthcare sector. The author expresses concern that, while this surplus might seem beneficial on the surface, it overshadows a critical issue: the severe shortage of social educators (sosu'er) in the country.

The piece emphasizes that the conversation surrounding the healthcare workforce has been largely dominated by the excessive focus on the predicted surplus of doctors, ignoring the pressing and immediate need for social educators who play a vital role in supporting mental health and social services in Denmark. This neglect potentially jeopardizes the adequacy of care and support for vulnerable populations, raising questions about the prioritization of resources in the health system.

Ultimately, the article critiques the disconnect between the concerns of the affluent readers of Altinget and the grim reality faced by the social services sector. The author suggests that while the conversation may be focused on surplus doctors, those who are wealthy may not feel the urgency of the situation, and it is vital for policymakers and the public to broaden the discourse to include the needs of social educators, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workforce planning in healthcare.