STAFF EXODUS

S.A. seeks to halt medical exodus.
Mahlatse Gallens BBC. Johannesburg

The departure of health staff has hurt developing countries. South Africa is to take steps to bring home some of the thousands of its health professionals currently working in western countries, officials say. Some 25,000 South African health professionals are estimated to be working abroad, harming the local health system. South Africa says developed countries can no longer rely on poaching health staff from developing countries.

It says the UK, Australia and the US are the biggest poachers. Many, especially nurses, flee South Africa for better salaries, working conditions and opportunities for career growth. The health department's Percy Mahlathi says part of the plan is to train more health professionals as well as improve working conditions in South Africa.