Analysis of the relationship between labor export policy and the Philippine health professional education

Abstract

According to the National Statistics Office, 66.6% of overseas workers in the Philippines are composed of highly skilled workers or professionals, including health professionals. The Philippines is a top source of health professionals all over the world. To show the connection between the health professional education and labor migration in the Philippines, this paper explores the kind of education that health professionals receive in the country. The research uses the dual labor market theory of Michael Piore, in explaining the causality why graduates opt to choose overseas employment. Through key informant interviews and secondary data gathering the researcher found out that the education of health professional in the Philippines lacks emphasis on public service, leading to the lack of commitment of students to remain in the country where they are badly needed.