BRAIN DRAIN OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AT THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE JABI AND UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TEACHING HOSPITAL (UATH), GWAGWALADA ABUJA, NIGERIA
Dia Nelson Iwanose, Eugene T. Aliegba, PhD and Yahaya Abdullahi Adadu, PhD
Volume 5 Issue 1
Abstract
This study examines the brain drain of healthcare professionals from the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada Abuja, Nigeria, and its impact on healthcare delivery. The healthcare sector in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including the migration of skilled professionals to more developed countries, which exacerbates the already strained healthcare system. The major aim of this study is to investigate the factors driving this brain drain and to assess its effects on the quality of healthcare delivery at the Federal Medical Centre Jabi and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. The theoretical framework for this study is the Push-Pull Theory of Migration by Everett Lee (1885), which posits that migration is influenced by factors that push individuals away from their home country and pull them towards another. This study adopts a descriptive research design to provide a detailed account of the phenomenon. The population of the study is 400 healthcare professionals at the Federal Medical Centre Jabi and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, with a sample size of 317 determined using Morgan’s formula (1967), also known as Krejcie and Morgan's formula. Data collection methods included surveys and interviews, employing both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and correlations, while qualitative data from interviews will provide deeper insights into personal and professional reasons for migration and its perceived impacts on healthcare delivery. The findings are expected to reveal critical factors driving the brain drain, such as inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, lack of professional development opportunities, and better career prospects abroad. Furthermore, the study will assess the impact of this migration on patient care, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes at the Federal Medical Centre Jabi and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends addressing the push factors and improving retention of healthcare professionals. These may include policy reforms, improved working conditions, competitive salaries, and enhanced professional development opportunities. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of brain drain in the healthcare sector and provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators to mitigate its effects. Keywords: Brain drain, Healthcare professionals, healthcare delivery, Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
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