In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Jamoliddin Abdullozoda, revealed on July 23  that over the first six months of this year, 51 doctors left Tajikistan to work abroad.  However, despite this, the rate of medical professionals migrating from the country has reportedly slowed down.  

Abdullozoda stated that during the first half of this year, 655 doctors were hired in the country, while 508 doctors resigned. Of the 508, 40 retired, 24 passed away, and the rest, according to the minister, transferred between hospitals.

Abdullozoda also mentioned that out of the 51 doctors who left for foreign employment, 31 have returned to Tajikistan and resumed their work.

He noted that the number of doctors leaving the country for migration purposes has been decreasing each year.  Unlike previous years, when up to 500-600 doctors migrated annually, this figure has reportedly dropped significantly.

The minister attributed the decrease in migration to improvements in working conditions at the country's hospitals and increased salaries for doctors.  "With better medical equipment in hospitals, migration abroad will naturally decrease.  Another reason is the rise in doctors' salaries," Abdullozoda said.

Shortage of medical staff remains

The health minister also revealed that the country is facing a shortage of 1,600 medical professionals.  However, 2,945 people graduated from medical universities in the country this year alone.

"If at least 50% of the students who graduated from medical institutions in the country go to work, the staffing problem will be solved," Abdullozoda added.

According to him, there is a shortage of family doctors, as well as specialists in narcology, phthisiatry, radiology, and in some regions, gynecologists and surgeons.

To address these staffing challenges in remote areas, the Ministry of Health has compiled lists of district doctors who will work in hard-to-reach villages on a rotating basis.  "We also recommend to some districts with staffing shortages that, for example, if they need radiologists, we can provide them with specialists in surgery or traumatology, who will undergo training in specialized courses and then work in the area of need," he explained.

Currently, Tajikistan has 22,150 doctors and 63,783 paramedical workers.  Six months ago, it was reported that the health system employed more than 22,000 doctors and 63,400 paramedical workers.