High staff turnover rates, especially in the public sector, have been a major challenge, for which rates as high as 80% have been reported in some provinces (Rawat, 2012). Attrition rates of health care professionals that do not enter the workforce are estimated at 25% per annum and include both new graduates that struggle to find posts (lack of absorption) and those who migrate to countries with more favourable working environments (DOH, 2011). An added 6% attrition rate is expected due to retirement, change in profession and death (DOH, 2011). Factors fuelling workforce attrition include lack of available posts in the public sector, poor working conditions and lack of personal safety and security, low morale in overburdened health system, and increased risk of contracting TB (DOH, 2011; Rawat, 2012). Factors attracting South African health workforce to countries abroad includes higher remuneration, better resources and working environments, career opportunities, post-basic education, political stability, travel opportunities, and aid work (DOH, 2011).

References:

DOH. (2011). HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH SOUTH AFRICA (HRH) Department of Health. Available from: http://www.hst.org.za/publications/NonHST Publications/hrh_strategy-2.pdf

Rawat, A. (2012). Gaps and shortages in South Africa’s health workforce. Backgrounder, 31(June), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.4424.0805