The impact of brain drain on performance of health institutions in Zimbabwe using a case of Mutare General Hospital. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Majo, Rolleen

Title

The impact of brain drain on performance of health institutions in Zimbabwe using a case of Mutare General Hospital.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of brain drain on perfomance of health institutions in Zimbabwe using a case of Mutare General Hospital (MGH). The primary objectives of the study were to identify the factors that influence brain drain at MGH, to ascertain the challenges faced as a result of brain drain at MGH, and to give possible recommendations to MHG to curb the brain drain of doctors and nurses. The study used a descriptive survey methodology. The study used a mixed research approach. A sample of 48 Mutare General Hospital employees, including 10 doctors, 19 nurses, and 7 members of management participated in the study. Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires and interviews and was then analysed using Microsoft Excel. Data was presented using tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The research findings were that the influences of brain drain were categorised into 2 factors namely push and pull. The study revealed that the push factors were poor remuneration, large volume of work ,lack of career growth and advancement , lack of tools and equipment ,corrupt activities in the health sector unsafe working environment , poor infrastructure and political instability which results in employee burnouts , work related stress and job dissatisfaction. Whereas the pull factors were attractive remuneration, availability of state of art equipment, career growth and advancement opportunities as a result of visa relaxions by the UK, better working conditions and government support which results in job satisfaction. The study also revealed that the challenges associated with brain drain were shortages of skilled workers at MGH, work overload for the remaining health professionals at MGH, less tax revenue for the country and reduced confidence in the economy. The study highly recommended that a reasonable proportion of the country’s budget must allocated to the health sector, attractive salaries and benefits for every health professional so as to retain talent and regular audits and internal control systems to reduce corrupt activities in the health sector.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

brain drain

health institutions

health sector

Supervisor

Mr. S.Machekeche