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. 2003 Oct 18;327(7420):926-8.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7420.926.

Recruiting doctors from poor countries: the great brain robbery?

Vikram Patel  1
Affiliations

Recruiting doctors from poor countries: the great brain robbery?

Vikram Patel. BMJ. .

Abstract

An important impediment to achieving health for all in developing countries is the shortage of doctors and nurses. Can the NHS justify schemes to recruit staff from these countries?

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Waiting for treatment: shortage of medical staff is an important barrier to health in India Credit: MARK HENLEY/PANOS PICTURES
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Recruitment is ethical.
    Mellor D. Mellor D. BMJ. 2003 Oct 18;327(7420):928. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7420.928. BMJ. 2003. PMID: 14563761 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

    1. World Health Organization. Atlas country profiles of mental health resources. Geneva: WHO, 2001.
    1. Patel V, Araya R. Trained overseas, unable to return home: plight of doctors from developing countries. Lancet 1992;339: 110-1. - PubMed
    1. Goldberg D. The NHS international fellowship scheme for consultant psychiatrists. Newsletter of the Faculty of General and Community Psychiatry 2003;6: 5-6. - PubMed
    1. National Health Service Careers. Opportunities for doctors in England: NHS international fellowship scheme, 2002. www.nhs.uk/fellowships (accessed 22 Aug 2003).
    1. Department of Health. Code of practice for NHS employers involved in the international recruitment of health care professionals. London: DoH, 2001. www.doh.gov.uk/international-recruitment/codeofpract.pdf (accessed 22 Aug 2003).

MeSH terms