TPH

THE PAKISTAN HEALTHCARE SECTOR AT STAKE: BRAIN DRAIN OF PAKISTAN DOCTORS

Authors
Dr. Fareha Khaliq	Doctor, MCH PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan
Waqas Zaigham	PhD Scholar, Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Saqib Yaqoob Malik	Faculty of Management Sciences, Multimedia University, Malaysia; Preston University, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI	https://doi.org/10.59365/hsj.3(2).2025.137
Keywords	Pakistan, Developing Nation, Migration, Healthcare Sector, and Brain Drain

Abstract
Background: The exodus of Pakistan's medical personnel is a major problem for the country. The nation's already overburdened healthcare system suffers from this brain drain, which results in a lack of qualified professionals and subpar patient care. This exodus is caused by a number of factors, including political instability, a lack of prospects for professional progression, and inadequate compensation. The exodus of highly skilled healthcare workers from Pakistan, sometimes known as "medical brain drain," is a growing concern that jeopardizes the country's healthcare system. As economic disparities, gender biases, and professional hurdles drive doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals outside, Pakistan has a serious shortage of medical workers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the fundamental causes and implications of medical brain drain, to identify the biases that worsen the problem, and to provide concrete solutions to reduce its impact on Pakistan's healthcare system. This research emphasizes the importance of specific policies aimed at improving healthcare working conditions, reducing gender disparity, and raising investment in medical training and infrastructure. Objectives: The study's objectives are to determine and examine the main factors that lead Pakistani physicians to look for work overseas and to evaluate the resulting effects on the country's healthcare system. Materials and Methods: A variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, and observational studies, may be used in quantitative research. The study used a quantitative research design and a cross-sectional survey approach. Results: A sizable portion of physicians cite low pay, unfavorable working circumstances, and a dearth of prospects for professional growth as reasons for their choice to immigrate. Furthermore, the situation is made worse by political unpredictability and security worries, which drive many people to look for safer and more stable surroundings. Conclusion: Pakistan's healthcare sector is seriously threatened by the continuous exodus of medical personnel. To solve this problem, extensive reforms are needed, such as bettering pay packages, improving working conditions, providing them the opportunities for their specialization trainings, maintaining political stability to keep talent in the nation. Therefore, in order to reduce brain drain out of the nation, governments in developing nations like Pakistan should concentrate on policies that guarantee job opportunities are available, offer suitable research facilities, provide safe working conditions, and establish merit systems. In conclusion, it is critical to highlight that Pakistan has substantial obstacles in developing and successfully implementing migration-related policies since there is a dearth of a substantial database with international migration statistics. Therefore, among other things, keeping such a database up to date is essential for the proper execution of policies.

Abstract

Background: The exodus of Pakistan's medical personnel is a major problem for the country. The nation's already overburdened healthcare system suffers from this brain drain, which results in a lack of qualified professionals and subpar patient care. This exodus is caused by a number of factors, including political instability, a lack of prospects for professional progression, and inadequate compensation. The exodus of highly skilled healthcare workers from Pakistan, sometimes known as "medical brain drain," is a growing concern that jeopardizes the country's healthcare system. As economic disparities, gender biases, and professional hurdles drive doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals outside, Pakistan has a serious shortage of medical workers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the fundamental causes and implications of medical brain drain, to identify the biases that worsen the problem, and to provide concrete solutions to reduce its impact on Pakistan's healthcare system. This research emphasizes the importance of specific policies aimed at improving healthcare working conditions, reducing gender disparity, and raising investment in medical training and infrastructure.

Objectives: The study's objectives are to determine and examine the main factors that lead Pakistani physicians to look for work overseas and to evaluate the resulting effects on the country's healthcare system.

Materials and Methods: A variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, and observational studies, may be used in quantitative research. The study used a quantitative research design and a cross-sectional survey approach.

Results: A sizable portion of physicians cite low pay, unfavorable working circumstances, and a dearth of prospects for professional growth as reasons for their choice to immigrate. Furthermore, the situation is made worse by political unpredictability and security worries, which drive many people to look for safer and more stable surroundings.

Conclusion: Pakistan's healthcare sector is seriously threatened by the continuous exodus of medical personnel. To solve this problem, extensive reforms are needed, such as bettering pay packages, improving working conditions, providing them the opportunities for their specialization trainings, maintaining political stability to keep talent in the nation. Therefore, in order to reduce brain drain out of the nation, governments in developing nations like Pakistan should concentrate on policies that guarantee job opportunities are available, offer suitable research facilities, provide safe working conditions, and establish merit systems. In conclusion, it is critical to highlight that Pakistan has substantial obstacles in developing and successfully implementing migration-related policies since there is a dearth of a substantial database with international migration statistics. Therefore, among other things, keeping such a database up to date is essential for the proper execution of policies.

Author Biography
Dr. Fareha Khaliq	Doctor, MCH PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan

TPH

THE PAKISTAN HEALTHCARE SECTOR AT STAKE: BRAIN DRAIN OF PAKISTAN DOCTORS

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