Mass Migration Of Nurses From Ghana To High Income Countries: Contributing Factors, Benefits And Measures To Stem The Tide

Day-in-day-out highly qualified and experienced Nurses are leaving the shores of Ghana in search of greener pastures.

Some research has shown that about 60% of Nurses interviewed indicated that they have plans to move out of Ghana and work in other countries.

The popular destinations of these Nurses include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, Canada and recently Barbados and United Arab Emirates.

This trend is worrying as this threatens to worsen the Nurse-Patient ratio in the Country and for that matter the quality of Nursing Care for the Ghanaian population.

This write-up intends to examine the factors contributing to the mass movement of Nurses from Ghana to other Countries, especially high-income countries. The write-up will also look at some benefits that may accrue to Ghana from the emigration of Nurses. Finally, the write-up will consider ways to stem this tide of mass emigration of Nurses.

Factors accounting for the mass movement of Nurses

Most writers on this issue have categorized the factors contributing to the emigration of Nurses as push and pull factors. Push factors are the situations in the sending countries provoking the exit of Nurses. Pull factors are the prospects in the destination countries that entice Nurses.

Push factors are important in making the decision to migrate because those who are happy with their work and living conditions are not likely to emigrate. Pull factors on the other hand informs the decision to migrate, that is, labour markets in receiving Countries.

Generally speaking, push factors include low remuneration, poor living and working conditions, lack of career development opportunities, high cost of living, job and economic insecurity.

Research suggests that most Nurses in Ghana will emigrate mainly because of low remuneration, poor living and working conditions. They are also likely to move to developed countries because of high cost of living vis-a-vis their incomes. Also, heavy workload without incentives, inability to save from meagre salaries are reasons why Nurses are leaving Ghana for developed countries.

Another, reason why Nurses move from Ghana to other countries is poor pensions and social security.

It appears job security and career development opportunities, at least for those who work in the Government Sector, are not the main reasons why Nurses may leave Ghana for developed Countries.

On the other hand, pull factors attract migrants to high income countries. Generally, they include availability of vacancies, high wages, better living and working conditions, career improvement opportunities and guaranteed safety and family security.

Benefits of the Mass Movement

The issue of mass movement is not without benefits. The notable benefits that accrue from it are:

1. Remittance to family and friends in Ghana. Most Nurses who emigrate are likely to remit money to family and friends. This in the long-run will improve on the economy and living standards in the country.
2. Most migrant Nurses are likely to return to stay and work in Ghana after their time out there. The skills and work experience that they have gathered abroad will benefit the Ghanaian population on their return, thereby boosting productivity in the long-run.

What can be done to reverse the trend of mass movement?

1. Government should work at improving the conditions of service of Nurses and other health workers. That is, salaries should be improved. Allowances including rent, commuting, etc should be introduced.
2. Government should consider sponsorship for Nurses to pursue graduate and postgraduate programmes as well specialized programmes.
3. Government should continue to retool Health facilities and equip them with modern equipment to facilitate service delivery and improve the working environment.
4. In the long-run, Government should consider instituting an incentive package for Nurses and other Health Professionals to own affordable homes at locations of their choices.
5. Government should consider reintroducing the vehicle duty waiver policy for health workers that existed in time past. This will also serve as an incentive.

Conclusion

Mass Migration of Nurses from Ghana to high income countries is a major issue that requires the attention of Government and the general population of Ghana. It threatens to reverse the gains that have been made over the years in the Health Sector.

Government needs to improve the working and living conditions of Nurses and other Health Workers in the Country to retain highly qualified and experienced ones.

THE AUTHOR:

FAROUK ADAM IDDRISU

MSC.(LONDON), BSC. ADMIN(GHANA), LL.B (GHANA)

HEALTH POLICY, PLANNING, FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH SERVICE ADMINISTRATORS-GHANA