DETERMINANTS OF MEDICAL BRAIN DRAIN IN DISTRICT PESHAWAR , KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Brain drain is a global phenomenon for pursuance of qualification or permanent settlement. Every year a major bulk of health care profession leave Pakistan. Main reason for migration to other country is relatively stable economies for better career opportunities and professional development. 

Objective: To assess determinants of medical brain drain in district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

To access and analyze the push and pull factors for medical brain drain in Peshawar.

Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional descriptive study was carried out from April 2023 to September 2023 in medical colleges and hospitals situated in Peshawar. Total 300 were included in the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 for windows.

Results: Out of 300 participants 220 (73%) planned on moving abroad while 80 (27%) participants wished to stay in Pakistan. Our study revealed that the top reasons for migration were higher standards of living abroad 208 (94.55%), better salary packages abroad 206 (93.66%) and the political instability in Pakistan 205 (93%). In contrast, the top reasons for those staying in Pakistan were to serve the country 68 (85%) and a reluctance to be separated from their families 63 (75%). 134 (61%) of our participants expressed their willingness to return to Pakistan.

Conclusion: About ¾ of our study participants were planning to move abroad, majority of them for economic and professional development.