RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The active recruitment of health workers: a defence
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 603
OP 609
DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-100927
VO 39
IS 10
A1 Javier S Hidalgo
YR 2013
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/39/10/603.abstract
AB Many organisations in rich countries actively recruit health workers from poor countries. Critics object to this recruitment on the grounds that it has harmful consequences and that it encourages health workers to violate obligations to their compatriots. Against these critics, I argue that the active recruitment of health workers from low-income countries is morally permissible. The available evidence suggests that the emigration of health workers does not in general have harmful effects on health outcomes. In addition, health workers can immigrate to rich countries and also satisfy their obligations to their compatriots. It is consequently unjustified to blame or sanction organisations that actively recruit health workers.