Brain Drain in Philippine Healthcare: Fact?

What is Brain Drain?

Brain drain is a colloquial term used in reference to the substantial emigration or migration of individuals, causing the loss of skilled individuals. While it is most often used in the international or external context, brain drain may occur at the national, industrial, and organizational levels as well.

Brain drain occurs as a result of several causes. Some of which are:

1. National unrest or turmoil

2. Greater or more favorable conditions and professional opportunities

3. Higher standard of living

Does the Philippine healthcare system experience Brain Drain?

The Philippines is among the largest exporters of nurses and doctors worldwide. Consequently, remarks regarding the shortage of healthcare workers in the country is not uncommon. In fact, even health secretary Francisco Duque estimated, in 2008, that 70% of Filipinos lacked medical attention. While the alleged statistic was debunked by the unemployment and insufficient work hours of over 287,000 nurses in 2011, the country’s current nurse to patient ratio ranges from 1:50 to 1:80.

Aggravated by COVID-19, nurses in the Philippines are systemically underpaid, overworked, and under-protected when placed in the international standard. In addition to this, the country also faces issues with regards to:

1. The emigration or migration of the best-qualified and best-trained healthcare workers

2. The severe scarcity of healthcare workers in rural and remote areas