The survey, conducted among 1,496 members of the Croatian Medical Chamber (HLK), revealed that only one in ten physicians would turn down an offer of work abroad and that more than 1,000 doctors have gathered the necessary documents for work abroad.
"The reason why such a large number of young doctors are ready to emigrate lies in the fact that 77 percent of them see their professional status and career development in Croatia in the future as unchanged or worse. Without specific measures it will be increasingly difficult to keep the doctors in the country," HLK chairman Trpimir Goluza said.
The most frequently stated reasons for pursuing a career abroad are better work conditions, higher pay, a better functioning health system, and greater possibilities for further training and professional advancement, which shows general dissatisfaction with the Croatian health system. In addition, two-thirds of those polled complained about nepotism and political favouritism in the system.