PSI calls for international rules on ethical recruitment

As shortages in health care professionals are felt around the world, it may be argued that developing countries are feeling the crisis most acutely. Many qualified health care professionals in these countries are being actively recruited by public and private health systems in the developed countries in an effort to satisfy the increasing demand, while the cost paid by countries of origin has been given little consideration. Many of these states, already lacking the resources to train more medical professionals, are left with few skilled professionals to care for their own citizens. Concerned that many of those with medical training are migrating out of necessity rather than choice and further concerned by the potentially negative impact on developing countries, Public Services International is calling for the issue to be taken up by the United Nations, particularly the World Health Organization, so that clear rules on the international recruitment of health care workers can be established and implemented.