Should rich countries use doctors from poor countries to alleviate shortages
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12.00 NOON SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2004
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.
In the current issue of The Medical Journal of Australia Professor Anthony Zwi from the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales, challenges the ethics of the trend.
"Australia has participated in this 'brain drain' although the extent and impact of this on different countries has not been adequately assessed," Professor Zwi said.
"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."
Professor Zwi said Australia's doctor shortage reflects past decisions of politicians, government, those responsible for providing medical education programs and the expectations and aspirations within the current medical workforce.
The Federal Government has promised to supplement the medical workforce, in part, by recruiting appropriately trained overseas doctors.
"We should not ignore the ethical aspects of this recruitment. Australia is an affluent country that ... relies on skilled personnel from poorer countries - countries that can ill afford to lose their health professionals," Professor Zwi said.
He asks whether this is unethical or whether it is unethical to prevent these health professionals from emigrating in search of better personal opportunities.
"While remittance income paid to the source country could eventually cover the costs of training and other losses, these remittances by health workers won't match the losses resulting from the exit of experienced health personnel from a grossly understaffed health service," Professor Zwi said.
"Australia should adopt national strategies to minimise harm and maximise benefits of skills migration; concerted international action will also be required," Professor Zwi said.
CONTACT: Author Unavailable
Judith Tokley, AMA, 0408 824 306 / 02 6270 5471