Determinants Of Intention To Emigrate Among Final Year Medical Students And Junior Doctors In Ghana

Abstract

Objective: Historically, doctors left the shores of Ghana for professional development and greener pastures; however, the institution of Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to train postgraduate doctors locally significantly reduced the rate of emigration. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey-based study of final year medical students of the University of Ghana Medical School, house officers and medical officers working at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Demographic data, Push Factors (poor conditions of service, lack of equipment and facilities, and economic instability) and Pull Factors (better career opportunities, shorter length of training programmes, family or spouse living abroad and improved conditions of service) were collected and analysed. Results: Of the 189 respondents, 94.18% intended to  pursue postgraduate medical education, with greater than half wanting to go outside Ghana due to push factors. The existence of a well-established postgraduate training programme in Ghana, was a consideration that could influence their decision to stay for 24.27% of the participants who wished to emigrate, however for 65.05%, this did not influence their decision. Other factors like the Covid-19 pandemic had no impact on the decision to emigrate among most respondents. Conclusion: Physician emigration, although dynamic, is not as rife as it was two to three decades ago in Ghana. This study recommends a review of existing policies and strategic planning among all stakeholders to ensure that postgraduate training is locally attractive to stem the possibility of another cycle of brain drain.