The leader of one of the largest nursing organizations in the world claims that the recruitment of nurses by high-income countries from less developed countries is “out of control.”
The observations coincide with the discovery of information showing how Ghana’s health system is suffering because of the “brain drain”.
Many specialized nurses have left the nation of West Africa in search of higher-paying positions abroad.
More than 1,200 Ghanaian nurses registered with the UK’s nursing board in 2022.
This occurs at a time when the National Health Service (NHS) is progressively hiring personnel from non-EU nations to fill open positions.
Although the UK prohibits active recruitment in Ghana, social media makes it possible for nurses to simply view the openings in NHS trusts. They can then apply directly for such positions. The severe economic condition in Ghana serves as a significant motivator.
The enormity of the people leaving nations like Ghana worries Howard Catton of the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
“I get the impression that things are out of control right now.”
The majority of our aggressive recruitment efforts are being led by six or seven high-income nations, but we are also recruiting from some of the weakest and most vulnerable nations, which cannot afford to lose their nurses.
According to Gifty Aryee, the head of nursing at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, a significant number of nurses from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) over the past six months. This exodus has had serious implications, as it has impacted the quality of care provided at the hospital.
Aryee expressed her concerns, stating that the hospital is unable to accommodate more patients due to the shortage of nurses. This has resulted in delays in providing care and has contributed to increased mortality rates, with patients unfortunately losing their lives.
Additionally, due to the scarcity of nursing staff, seriously ill patients often have to remain in the emergency department for extended periods before receiving the necessary attention and treatment.
An anonymous nurse from the hospital estimated that around half of her graduating class have already left the country, seeking better opportunities abroad. The nurse expressed a desire to join her colleagues in pursuing opportunities outside of Ghana.
