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“Brain drain” or ethical recruitment?
Author(s) -
Scott Mark L,
Whelan Anna,
Dewdney John,
Zwi Anthony B
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2004.tb05862.x
Subject(s) - harm , brain drain , work (physics) , developing country , international action , economic growth , action (physics) , business , medicine , political science , economics , mechanical engineering , engineering , law , physics , quantum mechanics
Recruitment by wealthy countries of health personnel from developing countries is threatening the viability of crucial health programs in poor countries, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. Australia has participated in this “brain drain”, although the extent and impact of this on different countries has not been adequately assessed. Australia depends on overseas‐trained doctors to fill vacancies in public hospitals and private practice, particularly in rural and outer suburban areas where locally trained professionals are reluctant to work. Australia should adopt national strategies to minimise harm and maximise benefits of skills migration; concerted international action will also be required.