Effect of Brain drain on Performance of Tertiary Health Care Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to examine the effectof Brain Drain on performance of Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. The hypotheses were tested using z-test analysis. The finding revealed that Brain drain has a significant negative effect on patient-to-doctor ratios in tertiary health care institutions in Enugu State, that Brain drain does have a significant negetive effect on treatment outcomes in tertiary health care institutions in Enugu State and that Brain drain has a significant negative effect on Patient Wait Time in tertiary health care institutions in Enugu State. The study concluded the effect of brain drain on service delivery in tertiary healthcare institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria, is profound and multifaceted. The departure of skilled healthcare professionals has resulted in a diminished workforce, leading to increased patient wait times, reduced access to specialized care, and challenges in delivering timely and comprehensive medical services. The study recommended among others that The government should invest in increasing medical school capacity, funding scholarships, and implementing targeted recruitment initiatives to address the shortage of healthcare professionals, ensuring a more favorable patient-to-doctor ratio in Enugu State, Nigeria.