The Cost of Health Professionals' Brain Drain in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Kirigia Joses Muthuri, Gbary Akpa Raphael, Muthuri Lenity Kainyu, Nyoni Jennifer, Seddoh Anthony
Primary Institution: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa
Hypothesis
What is the financial cost of emigration of Kenyan doctors and nurses?
Conclusion
Kenya loses millions of dollars in investments due to the emigration of health professionals, which hampers its development and health goals.
Supporting Evidence
- The total cost of educating a single medical doctor from primary school to university is US$ 65,997.
- For every doctor that emigrates, a country loses about US$ 517,931 worth of returns from investment.
- The total cost of educating one nurse from primary school to college of health sciences is US$ 43,180.
- For every nurse that emigrates, a country loses about US$ 338,868 worth of returns from investment.
Takeaway
When doctors and nurses leave Kenya to work in other countries, it costs Kenya a lot of money that could have been used to help people stay healthy.
Methodology
The study estimated the financial costs of educating doctors and nurses in Kenya and calculated the lost returns from their emigration.
Limitations
The study only focused on doctors and nurses, not capturing other health professionals, and did not account for postgraduate training costs.
Participant Demographics
Kenyan doctors and nurses, with a focus on those emigrating to developed countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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