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. Bills introduced in Congress would increase the number of doctors and nurses from abroad relocating to the United States to provide health care. A coalition of organizations and individuals committed to improving health in low-income countries has written to President Obama and Congressional leaders opposing these bills, saying they could negatively impact global health.
The coalition supports health reform that will enable everyone in the US 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 US residents seeking to enter the health professions.