Retention of Medical Doctors in Ghana through Local Postgraduate Training

Abstract

This study examines the role of postgraduate training in retention of medical professionals, using a primary data from Ghana. The sample consists of medical specialists who have either completed a postgraduate training program and currently in practice or has enrolled in the program and nearing completion.  The study made use of descriptive analysis and a logit regression model. The findings identified three main factors that influence doctors to migrate, these are; economic in the form of a quest for higher pay and better working condition; the need to pursue postgraduate medical training to achieve maximum learning potential and to become a certified specialist; and to avoid living in a country with a poor social structure in which there is a high level of poverty. The logit estimation shows that satisfaction of postgraduate training program significantly affects physicians/doctors to consider leaving. The results also showed that physicians/doctors would be willing to live and practice in Ghana if additional resources (in the form of funding, equipment and others) are made available to enhance the postgraduate programs and practice conditions.

Keywords:  Brain Drain, Doctors, Emigration, Postgraduate Medical Education, Ghana