Background: Education and training contribute to better responsiveness and performance. Relevant policies should be based on the population health needs assessment. The National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2007-2013 is a unique opportunity for planning modern education and training so that human resources for health meet current and future needs of the population
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess health professionals’ training needs and life-long learning in our country, based on population profiles, and was one of the consultation documents under the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2007-2013
Method: Demographic and epidemiological data of the Greek population were combined with relevant human resources policies described by international organizations
Conclusion: Leadership is crucial in shaping the appropriate policy and establishing goals and strategies to achieve human resource development. Key issues to be addressed to this direction is detailed inventory of existing capacity (numbers and characteristics), the provision for future services, improving the quality and skills, through investment in education and training, including lifelong learning and education in new technologies.
Key words: Life long learning, health professional, skills, competencies.