Third world brain drain

Editor—Levy debated the role of the first world in the third world brain drain.¹ As a graduate of the medical school in Zimbabwe and as its current dean, I have to say that it would be unacceptable to produce health professionals that are unable to practice anywhere in the world other than in Zimbabwe.

As teachers we have always strived to produce doctors who are accepted universally and are capable of delivering the highest quality of care, wherever they practice. It is this reputation that has made our graduates sought after worldwide. Unfortunately as a result of this we lose the best to the first world. It is a pleasure to learn that former students have been selected for top positions in the developed world, as this is a testament to our efforts.

Two possible solutions are producing larger numbers of graduates to supply the local and international markets, and making local conditions attractive enough so that graduates choose not to leave. The former option may not be possible, as the exodus of experts has affected training institutes. Tackling the second option may alleviate the problem. There is a need to review the social, political, and economic reasons behind the exodus, and to provide security and opportunities for further development locally.

Lowering of standards should not be accepted; instead local conditions should be reviewed and rectified.