"Pull" factors in international migration of health professionals

Abstract

This secondary data study, framed in social constructionism theory, descibes and analyses the "pull" factors influencing migration of health professionals developing to developed countries. The literature review sets the context withing which international migration takes place and explores relevant aspects of the G8, globalisation, and the General Agreement on Trade in Services. The research demonstrates that temporary or permanent international migration occurs for employment or study purposes. It further confirms that, despite the lack of accurate data from African counties, the number of health professionals leaving the continent has increased significantly during the 1990's.