The emigration of healthcare professionals adds to South Africa’s doctor shortage – a situation which is placing the country’s entire healthcare system at considerable risk. While it is uncertain how many doctors have emigrated, Econex reported that between 2004 and 2009, 17% of doctors who had qualified did not report for community service. It is estimated that there are currently only 7,000 medical specialists practicing in South Africa.
One of the factors contributing to the declining number of doctors in South Africa is the prohibitive cost of monthly medical professional indemnity (PI) premiums. The issue around premium costs is a very real consideration for doctors currently in practice and those looking to start a career in medicine. In some cases, medical PI costs are driving high-risk specialists such as obstetricians and gynaecologists (ob-gyns) from their professions, says Volker von Widdern, group chief executive officer of Constantia Insurance Company Limited.
Here are some facts: