Brain Drain in the Healthcare Sector: A Silent threat to Public Health
in Third World Countries
- Abdulmumin Ibrahim,
- Aishat Durojaye,
- Franklyn Chiemekam Opara,
- Gladys Zugwai IBRAHIM,
- Theogene Uwizeyimana,
- Muritala Abdulkadir,
- Yusuf Babatunde,
- Abikoye Jesutomini Esther,
- OLUWAKOREDE ADEDEJI
Franklyn Chiemekam Opara
University College Hospital Ibadan
Author ProfileMuritala Abdulkadir
University of Ilorin Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science
Author ProfileYusuf Babatunde
University of Ilorin Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science
Author ProfileAbikoye Jesutomini Esther
Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba
Author ProfileOLUWAKOREDE ADEDEJI
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
Author ProfileAbstract
The soaring brain drain in the healthcare sector constitutes a pressing
and formidable threat to public health in third-world countries. The
increasing interconnectedness of the world has facilitated sharing of
ideas and collaborations across borders, benefiting the global
population. However, this has also led to the migration of skilled
healthcare professionals from low-income countries to more developed
nations. This is due to push factors such as the lack of proper
healthcare infrastructure, low income, poor working conditions, and
limited career opportunities which push healthcare workers to seek
better prospects in more developed countries. Pull factors such as
better remuneration, working conditions, and career advancement entice
them to migrate to these countries. Consequently, the delivery of
adequate healthcare services becomes severely compromised, exacerbating
existing challenges in achieving public health goals. The impact of this
phenomenon extends beyond mere workforce loss. It stifles local
education, hinders advancements in medical research, and undermines the
overall capacity to combat prevalent health issues. Urgent action is
imperative to address this silent crisis. By prioritizing the
improvement of domestic healthcare systems, offering competitive
incentives for healthcare professionals, and fostering international
collaboration, we can effectively mitigate brain drain and strengthen
the foundation of public health in third-world countries. This Paper
aims to identify the drivers behind brain drain, highlight implications
for public health and proffer potential solutions and actionable plans
to address this growing concern.Submitted to Public Health Challenges 29 Feb 20241st Revision Received
05 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 May 20242nd Revision Received
17 May 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor