Human resources management
Perceptions of health workers about conditions of service: a Namibian case stud
The factors involved in the retention of health care professionals
Authors:
S Lipinge; K Hofnie; L van der Westhuizen; M Pendukeni
Publisher:
EQUINET: Network for Equity in Health in Southern Africa, 2006
This discussion paper from the Regional Network for Equity in Health in Southern Africa (EQUINET) examines the influence that conditions of service have on the retention of health care professionals in Namibia. It reports on a case study in which nurses, doctors, social workers and health inspectors, working at various levels in the public and private sector, were interviewed.
The study found that the reasons why people chose to stay in or leave a job included salaries, pensions and other financial issues. Human resource management (HRM) issues, such the availability of opportunities for career development and training, were also an important factor. The other significant factors were stress and the quality of equipment, buildings and other resources. Fringe benefits, such as housing assistance, retirement pensions and medical aid, were seen as the strengths of the public sector. The main advantages of working in the private sector were to do with salary and physical conditions, as well as better recognition and communication. The research found that there was a gap between the existing policy on human resource development and the dissemination of this policy to health professionals, especially those in the public sector.
