Northern Ireland's health minister Michael McGimpsey said today cuts that could see more than 2,000 jobs go across health and social services cannot be avoided.
Mr McGimpsey said many of the job losses could come from changes already planned in the review of public administration, and expressed hopes the proposed cut of 700 nursing posts could be eased through planned reductions such as retirements.
But he insisted financial restrictions meant that major savings must be made and said: "There is no way out of this."
The minister said it was essential to make changes because of the increasing financial pressure on his department.
"The fact is that the demands on the health service are rising every year and we have to get more efficient, because if we don't do that, we will eventually run out of money," he told the BBC.
More than 700 nursing posts are under threat, as well as 900 administrative jobs and 450 social services positions.
The proposed cuts were outlined yesterday by the minister as part of plans to cut up to 2,500 health service jobs over the next three years.
Mr McGimpsey said he had to make savings in line with Stormont efficiency plans, while health trusts would now hold consultations before a final decision was made early next year.