Unveiling the key determinants of migration intention among healthcare professionals in Morocco’s public health sector

Résumé

Abstract:

The persistent migration of healthcare professionals poses a serious challenge to the sustainability and equity of Morocco’s public healthcare system, particularly amid existing workforce shortages and regional disparities. This study aims to identify the key determinants shaping migration intentions among public healthcare professionals in Morocco. Using primary survey data collected from 355 doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff working in university and regional health centers, the analysis applies a binary Logit model to examine the influence of demographic, socio-economic, professional, and institutional factors. The findings reveal that migration intentions are significantly higher among male and mid-career professionals, those with lower income levels, and staff working in under-resourced regional health centers. Conversely, higher earnings and greater professional stability reduce the likelihood of intending to migrate. These results highlight the central role of working conditions, wages, and institutional inequalities in driving brain drain. The study provides valuable evidence to inform targeted retention policies and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of healthcare worker migration in low- and middle-income countries.

Keywords: Migration intention, public healthcare, brain drain, Morocco, healthcare professionals.