Background of the Study
Healthcare worker migration, also known as "brain drain," refers to the movement of trained medical professionals from one region to another, often from developing to developed countries, in search of better wages, working conditions, and career opportunities (Okonkwo & Adeyemi, 2024). In Nigeria, the migration of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals has reached critical levels, significantly affecting healthcare service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved regions like Gombe State (Adebayo & Olaniyan, 2023).
Gombe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, faces multiple healthcare challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, low healthcare worker retention, and high patient-to-doctor ratios (Ibrahim et al., 2024). The migration of healthcare professionals from the state has resulted in increased workload for the remaining personnel, longer patient wait times, and reduced quality of care (Usman & Bello, 2023). This situation has been further exacerbated by economic hardship, insecurity, and limited government investment in the healthcare sector, making it difficult for the state to retain skilled medical professionals (Chukwuma et al., 2023).
As a result, patients often experience delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Despite various policy efforts to curb medical brain drain, the impact of healthcare worker migration on service delivery in Gombe State remains a significant concern that requires urgent investigation (Okeke & Tijani, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
The shortage of healthcare professionals in Gombe State has led to declining healthcare quality, increased patient load, and burnout among the remaining workers (Ibrahim et al., 2024). The migration of skilled personnel to urban areas and foreign countries has left rural hospitals understaffed, limiting access to essential medical services for local communities (Usman & Bello, 2023). While healthcare worker migration is a nationwide issue, its effects are particularly severe in Gombe State due to existing infrastructural and economic challenges.
There is limited empirical data assessing the direct impact of healthcare worker migration on service delivery in the state. Understanding the extent of this issue and its implications will help policymakers formulate effective strategies to mitigate its negative effects and improve healthcare access for the population (Chukwuma et al., 2023).
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the extent of healthcare worker migration in Gombe State.
2. To evaluate the impact of healthcare worker migration on healthcare delivery, including patient care quality and workforce capacity.
3. To propose strategies for mitigating the negative effects of healthcare worker migration in Gombe State.
Research Questions
1. What are the primary factors driving healthcare worker migration in Gombe State?
2. How does healthcare worker migration affect healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Gombe State?
3. What strategies can be implemented to address the negative impact of healthcare worker migration in Gombe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Healthcare worker migration significantly reduces the quality of healthcare delivery in Gombe State.
2. High workloads and poor working conditions contribute to the migration of healthcare professionals.
3. Implementing retention policies will reduce healthcare worker migration and improve healthcare delivery in Gombe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on healthcare institutions in Gombe State, examining the trends and effects of healthcare worker migration. It will include perspectives from healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers. However, limitations include difficulties in obtaining migration data and the reluctance of healthcare workers to discuss their migration intentions openly.
Definitions of Terms
• Healthcare Worker Migration: The movement of medical professionals from one region or country to another for better opportunities.
• Healthcare Delivery: The provision of medical services to individuals and communities.
• Brain Drain: The emigration of skilled professionals, leading to a shortage in their home country.
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