Migration of medical doctors from the public to the private sector: a case study of mahatma Gandhi memorial hospital and life healthcare hospital group, Durban.
Loading...
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
There is a rising inclination for medical doctors to migrate to the private sector from the
public sector, thereby leaving a high percentage of the population without quality care. The
influx of medical practitioners into the private sector is of utmost concern to both the
government and the general public. The South African public healthcare sector is faced with
the challenge of retaining health workers in the appropriate area of need. This study aims to
identify the factors that are responsible for the migration of medical doctors from the public
to the private sector and make recommendations that can foster retention. A total of 115
medical doctors participated in this study.
The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a detailed analysis and
reach an encircling supposition. They were supported by three research tools: semistructured
in-depth interviews, document review, and a survey. Data collected through semistructured
in-depth interviews were analysed using the thematic analysis method while
content analysis was used to evaluate data collected through documentary method. Data
collected via the use of questionnaires was analysed using both descriptive and inferential
statistics.
The findings from this study revealed that employee relations policy is the key reason why
medical doctors seek employment in the private sector. The inability of some doctors to gain
employment with the public sector due to the moratorium on employment was also identified
as a reason they seek solace in the private sector. The study also established a close link
between monetary rewards and non-monetary rewards in influencing retention. The study
also reflected that the dissatisfaction of doctors in the public health sectors goes beyond the
confinement of wages.
In order to foster the retention of doctors in the public sector, various strategies are
recommended such as heightened awareness of the significance of effective communication,
more employee involvement in decision-making procedures, quick resolution of labour
disputes, embracing total reward approach, talent management planning, succession planning,
clear alignment of personal values with organisational values and lifting of the moratorium
on employment.
Description
Doctoral degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.