Migration and the Globalisation of Health Care: The Health Worker Exodus?

Humankind appears to be facing massive shifts in the world order. Ecclesiastes states that “there is nothing new under the sun,” and perhaps every generation may be chided for thinking that things have never been worse. Nonetheless, society in general, and policy makers in particular, do seem to be facing unprecedented challenges for which old solutions do not seem up to the task. New policy paradigms are needed but lacking. In such a crisis environment, public policy practitioners barely have time to take stock, understand entrenched processes, and develop new coping mechanisms. Thus, it is fortuitous to find tracts that deal broadly with complex policy areas featuring a global dimension. John Connell's book on migration of skilled health workers is just such a work, combining a comprehensive historical review with effects assessment and policy-oriented analysis.