Financial Losses from Nurse Migration in Malawi
Author Information
Author(s): Muula Adamson S, Panulo Ben Jr, Maseko Fresier C
Primary Institution: University of Malawi, College of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the financial losses incurred by Malawi due to the migration of trained nurses?
Conclusion
Developing countries are losing significant amounts of money through lost investment of health care professionals who emigrate.
Supporting Evidence
- The total cost of training an enrolled nurse-midwife in Malawi is estimated at US$ 9,329.53.
- For a degree nurse-midwife, the total cost is estimated at US$ 31,726.26.
- Malawi loses between US$ 71,081.76 and US$ 7.5 million for each enrolled nurse-midwife that migrates.
- The lost investment for a degree nurse-midwife ranges from US$ 241,508 to US$ 25.6 million.
Takeaway
When nurses leave Malawi to work in other countries, Malawi loses a lot of money that was spent on their education.
Methodology
The study estimated the cost of training health professionals by calculating educational fees and using economic analysis to determine lost investment.
Limitations
The study did not quantify the return value of remittances or the personal and social benefits of education.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on health professionals trained in Malawi, specifically nurse-midwives.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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