In this article, we will look at the 5 lowest paying countries for doctors. We have also discussed the global healthcare challenges and developments in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 20 Lowest Paying Countries for Doctors.
5. Uganda
Average Salary: $7,200
In Uganda, the plight of doctors reflects a systemic issue of poor remuneration. With an annual influx of 500 newly qualified doctors, the disparity between available positions and government recruitment is stark. Only 1,600 doctors are employed by the government, leaving 4,000 vacant posts in public hospitals. This dire situation pushes many skilled medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad, where they can earn better salaries. The trend exacerbates concerns among health advocates, especially amidst ongoing strikes for improved wages. Francis Omaswa, Executive Director of ACHEST, highlights the urgency for government intervention to curb the brain drain and ensure adequate healthcare staffing. The issue not only compromises local healthcare services but also perpetuates global inequalities in medical workforce distribution.
4. Bangladesh
Average Salary: $6,970
In Bangladesh, the issue of low doctor wages has come to a head, with trainee doctors launching an indefinite strike demanding a pay raise. Approximately 10,000 trainee doctors in government hospitals across the country have joined this movement simultaneously. The Postgraduate Private Trainee Doctors Association initiated the strike, seeking a minimum allowance of Tk50,000 and regular payment of that allowance. They emphasize that their protest will persist until this demand is met through official notification. Comparatively, trainee doctors in neighboring countries receive significantly higher allowances, such as 1,50,000 Rupees in India and approximately 75,000 Pakistani Rupees in Pakistan.
President of the association, Dr. Jabir Hossain, highlighted the stark difference, stating that in Bangladesh, trainee doctors receive a mere Tk20,000 allowance, the lowest in Asia. The demand for a raise to Tk50,000 stems from the necessity to uphold a fair standard of living amidst escalating commodity prices. Despite aspirations to provide top-notch medical services, doctors currently struggle with minimal allowances. Despite reaching out to various medical organizations for support, including the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Bangladesh Medical Association, the trainee doctors have yet to see promising steps taken to fulfill their demands.
3. Nigeria
Average Salary: $5,894
Nigerian doctors face significant salary discrepancies compared to their foreign counterparts, with earnings amounting to less than 10% of what doctors in other countries receive. Despite some increments over the years, the average annual salary for Nigerian doctors remains comparatively low. Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicate that most Nigerian doctors migrate to countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Germany in pursuit of better wages.
The disparity in salaries has contributed to brain drain, exacerbating the shortage of medical professionals in Nigeria. Despite efforts such as proposed legislation to curb migration, underlying issues including inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure persist, prompting ongoing discontent among medical practitioners.
2. Ethiopia
Average Salary: $4,620
In Ethiopia, the healthcare sector struggles with consistently critical challenges, notably a dire shortage of medical professionals. With only 0.1059 physicians per 1,000 people, the country faces an acute deficit. Furthermore, despite approximately 30 medical schools, insufficient training institutions exacerbate the issue. Compounded by inadequate wages, healthcare workers are forced into multiple jobs to make ends meet, with a high risk of burnout. Consequently, professionals seek opportunities abroad, with an estimated 2,000 leaving annually. This exodus compromises healthcare delivery, leading to severe consequences such as fatalities and complications due to medicine and equipment shortages. To mitigate this crisis, strategies like the National Health Equity Strategy have been launched, signaling government commitment to improve conditions and retain skilled professionals.
1.Sudan
Average Salary: $1,899
Sudan’s low wages for doctors stem from a combination of economic challenges, government prioritization, and resource allocation. The country has faced prolonged economic instability, with limited funds allocated to healthcare. Additionally, political unrest and conflicts have diverted resources away from essential services like healthcare. Government policies often prioritize other sectors over healthcare, resulting in limited investment in medical infrastructure and staff salaries. Moreover, a surplus of medical graduates competing for limited positions exacerbates wage suppression. These factors collectively contribute to the disproportionately low wages for doctors in Sudan compared to other professions and international standards, making Sudan the lowest paying country for doctors in the world.
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