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Diagnosing the Issue: Understanding and Combating Medical Brain Drain in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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  • Jahić Hatidža

    (University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business, Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina)

  • Hadžiahmetović-Milišić Nejra

    (University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business, Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina)

  • Dedović Lejla

    (University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business, Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina)

  • Kuloglija Emina

    (University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business, Trg oslobođenja - Alija Izetbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Abstract

This study investigates emigration patterns among healthcare professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, examining the underlying reasons for emigration and proposing actionable solutions to curb this trend. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative data from surveys administered to medical and health studies students with qualitative insights from interviews with governmental officials, language educators, and statistical agencies. The findings reveal significant dissatisfaction with socio-economic and political conditions, prompting healthcare professionals to seek opportunities abroad. Major reasons for going abroad include political instability, low wages, and poor working conditions, while better pay and career opportunities are attracting factors. While the study is limited by the lack of comprehensive official statistics on emigration, the implications of this research emphasize the need for policy interventions aiming to improve local working conditions and reform educational systems. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to effectively address the issue of brain drain.

Suggested Citation

  • Jahić Hatidža & Hadžiahmetović-Milišić Nejra & Dedović Lejla & Kuloglija Emina, 2024. "Diagnosing the Issue: Understanding and Combating Medical Brain Drain in Bosnia and Herzegovina," Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy, Sciendo, vol. 70(2), pages 12-23.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:ngooec:v:70:y:2024:i:2:p:12-23:n:1002
    DOI: 10.2478/ngoe-2024-0008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Glinos, Irene A., 2015. "Health professional mobility in the European Union: Exploring the equity and efficiency of free movement," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(12), pages 1529-1536.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Healthcare Emigration trends; Socio-economic Challenges; Brain Drain; Bosnia and Herzegovina;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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