Letter from Health Advocates: Concerns about Global Health Workforce Issues in the US Health Reform Efforts

Congress is considering legislation that could worsen the current brain drain of doctors and nurses from poor countries, such as Ghana, Ethiopia and Uganda, say global health advocates. A coalition of organizations and individuals committed to improving health in low-income countries has written to President Obama and Congressional leaders opposing bills introduced in Congress that could negatively impact global health. The bills would increase the number of doctors and nurses from abroad relocating to the United States to provide health care.

The coalition supports health reform that will enable everyone in the U.S. to receive the health care they need, but objects to meeting America’s health care needs at the expense of developing countries, many of which have no doctors or nurses to spare. Instead, the letter advocates for legislation and funding to increase training opportunities for U.S. residents seeking to enter the health profession.