Migration by Graduates of the University of Ghana Medical School: A Preliminary Rapid Appraisal

This is an exploratory descriptive study that examined migration of locally trained doctors from Ghana using graduates of the countrys first medical school as a proxy. The objectives of the study were to describe trends in the loss of medical personnel to emigration and the influence this has on human resources planning, including forecasting of staff supply and requirements. It was also to provide some information towards the development of strategies to counteract such losses. The methods included using classmates to recall the whereabouts of their colleagues, the examination of the graduation records of the Medical School from its inception, and retention data from Ghanas regulatory body, the Medical and Dental Council. The period from 1985 to 1994 was used for the detailed recall interviews. There was an average exit rate of 13.8% of each class per annum. This means 50% and 75% of each batch of graduates emigrate in 4.5 and 9.5 years, respectively. Some 60.9% of doctors produced between 1985 and 1994 had already left the country, mainly to the United Kingdom and USA. Recommendations are made to enhance retention in the country and to encourage return of willing emigres through redressing excessive bureaucracy and increasing incentives.