Hundreds of doctors are dumping South Africa –and it’s just the tip of the iceberg

Hundreds of South African doctors and nurses are increasingly leaving the country due to concerns over poor working conditions, irregular pay, and the looming implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, and more are expected to do the same in 2025.

Recently obtained data from Statistics Canada revealed that between January 2020 and July 2024, Canada alone issued 7,781 temporary work permits to South Africans, 600 of whom are healthcare professionals, with around 350 being specialists like cardiologists, neurologists, and emergency physicians.

This trend is accelerating, with approximately 200 healthcare professionals expected to leave for Canada this year alone.

Immigration consultant Nicholas Avramis notes that the trickle of South African doctors moving to Canada became a steady flow from 2022 onwards, and he anticipates that the numbers will surge further in 2025 as more South African doctors explore options abroad.

Several Canadian provinces have been targeting South Africa for mass recruitment, offering significant incentives, including higher pay and professional recognition.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, for example, recognises South African medical qualifications, meaning that doctors do not need to undergo extensive re-certification processes, making it an attractive destination.

Canada, which is facing a shortage of 60,000 nurses and 10,000 family doctors, has become a particularly desirable option for South African healthcare workers.

Ontario, for example, is facing a severe shortage of family doctors, with 2.5 million residents currently without one—a number expected to rise to 4.4 million in two years.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) highlights that burdensome administrative tasks and costs discourage doctors from entering family practice.

This crisis is exacerbating healthcare delays, forcing many to rely on emergency rooms.

Despite government efforts to add doctors and expand medical education, the OMA calls for more political will to support family doctors and improve patient care.

This has resulted in the country’s willingness to pay a premium for Doctors willing to fill the gap.

Additionally, provinces like British Columbia and Alberta are top choices due to their need for general practitioners and specialists.

Avramis noted that salaries are estimated to range between R4 million and R10 million depending on qualifications and experience.

According to Avramis, the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is a key driver behind the exodus, as many healthcare professionals are uncertain about how the scheme will impact their livelihoods.

The lack of clarity, combined with existing issues like unsafe working conditions and limited opportunities for career growth, has made Canada a more appealing prospect for those seeking better professional and personal security.

Avramis also highlights the growing interest among South Africans considering relocation.

His consultancy, Beaver Immigration, has seen a 50% rise in enquiries from healthcare workers, receiving over 17,000 applications from South Africans looking to move since January 2023.

“You can expect that number to double or triple as the crisis worsens and the provinces relax their licensure requirements for both GPs and specialists,” said Avramis.

Data from Employment and Social Development Canada indicates that jobs for registered nurses, general practitioners, specialist physicians, and medical technicians are among the most in-demand.

With Canadian provinces easing entry requirements for foreign-trained professionals, this trend of South African doctors leaving for Canada looks set to continue, worsening the strain on South Africa’s already fragile healthcare system.

The combination of economic factors, workplace safety concerns, and the uncertainty surrounding the NHI scheme has prompted a growing number of South African healthcare professionals to seek opportunities abroad.

Canada’s open arms and attractive professional landscape offer a compelling option for those disillusioned with the current conditions in South Africa, exacerbating the human capital crisis in the country’s healthcare system.

As the crisis deepens, the South African government may need to urgently address the concerns driving this emigration in order to retain its skilled healthcare workforce.

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