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The ethics of medical practitioner migration from low-resourced countries to the developed world: a call for action by health systems and individual doctors

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 20:02 authored by Mpofu, C, Gupta, TS, Richard HaysRichard Hays
Medical migration appears to be an increasing global phenomenon, with complex contributing factors. Although it is acknowledged that such movements are inevitable, given the current globalized economy, the movement of health professionals from their country of training raises questions about equity of access and quality of care. Concerns arise if migration occurs from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to high-income countries (HICs). The actions of HICs receiving medical practitioners from LMICs are examined through the global justice theories of John Rawls and Immanuel Kant. These theories were initially proposed by Pogge (1988) and Tan (1997) and, in this work, are extended to the issue of medical migration. Global justice theories propose that instead of looking at health needs and workforce issues within their national boundaries, HICs should be guided by principles of justice relevant to the needs of health systems on a global scale. Issues of individual justice are also considered within the framework of rights and social responsibilities of individual medical practitioners. Local and international policy changes are suggested based on both global justice theories and the ideals of individual justice.

History

Publication title

Journal of Bioethical Inquiry

Volume

13

Pagination

395-406

ISSN

1176-7529

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Springer Netherlands

Place of publication

Netherlands

Rights statement

Copyright 2016 Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Pty Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health policy evaluation

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