THE next assembly must tackle long healthcare waiting lists and staff shortages, the three UK Royal Colleges of Physicians have said.
The colleges - the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow - said urgent action was also needed to recruit and retain staff across Northern Ireland.
Ahead of the May 5 election, the colleges called for a pandemic recovery plan that tackles growing waiting lists and diagnostic delays.
It said a cross-government plan to tackle ill health and inequalities was also needed.
Speaking on behalf of hundreds of doctors in Northern Ireland, the colleges said the next health minister must increase the number of places for medical students and recruit overseas doctors to reduce gaps in rotas.
It also said investment was needed into specialist, clinically-led weight management services.
The colleges also highlighted serious staffing issues in the health service.
More than half (57 per cent) of consultant posts in Northern Ireland were not filled this year.
The colleges said there is an aging consultant workforce, with around 40 per cent of consultants due to reach retirement age in the next decade.
A survey found that almost a third of senior trainee physicians reported they work excessive hours and almost a quarter (24 per cent) said they have an excessive workload.
Dr Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said the last two years "have been the most difficult in NHS history".
"We can expect to see the long-term effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on health, education, income and wellbeing outcomes in the coming years," he said.
"The next Northern Ireland executive has a chance to make a real difference by prioritising a cross-government approach to tackling inequalities. Better health leads to a better quality of life.
"It is no secret that there is an NHS workforce crisis across the UK.
"The next Northern Ireland executive should take swift and decisive action to recruit and retain more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
"Northern Ireland is a wonderful place to work, but too often rota gaps and an excessive workload are leading to staff burnout and low morale.
"A fresh approach is needed."
