The Senate Standing Committee on Health revealed that 50 to 60 percent of Pakistani doctors are migrating abroad. Senator Anusha Rehman said many doctors trained in Pakistan prefer jobs overseas over local service. She added that Ireland attracts most doctors with salaries of around 5,000 euros per month. This large migration harms Pakistan’s healthcare system severely.
The committee discussed the impact of doctor migration on public hospitals. It causes critical staff shortages, especially in government-run facilities. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that Pakistan trains 22,000 doctors yearly. However, this number is insufficient for the country’s 250 million population. Many trained doctors still do not meet the healthcare demand.
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Minister Kamal also highlighted that many female doctors do not practice after graduation. This trend further reduces the available skilled healthcare workforce. He admitted that both doctor migration and low workforce participation pose serious challenges. These challenges put extra pressure on the already strained health system.
The committee emphasized the need for urgent government action. They recommended improving incentives and working conditions to retain doctors. Without better support, the brain drain will worsen the health crisis. They stressed that retaining medical professionals is vital for healthcare stability.
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In conclusion, the Senate committee urged immediate reforms to stop the doctor exodus. They warned that ignoring this issue risks collapsing health services nationwide. Pakistan must strengthen policies to keep its skilled doctors working at home.