Most new doctors intend to join public service

The survey questioned 1,726 people who graduated from medical schools last year. 
Of the total, only 57 thought of quitting public service before even starting work. As many as 1,467 respondents, or 85 per cent of those asked, said they had no intention to quit. Of those polled, 202 others said they were undecided about their career paths. 
Medical Council acting secretary-general Pol General Dr Ittaporn Kanacharoen released the findings yesterday amid reports that the government was planning to raise the penalty amount to discourage doctors from abandoning public service.
Lately, it has been reported that the current Bt400,000 penalty will be hiked to Bt5 million to reflect the actual cost of grooming doctors for the public sector.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn has already confirmed that a new rate of penalties will apply next year. He said the exact penalty amount has not been finalised. 
“Relevant authorities will have to further discuss the issue,” he said. 
The current practice makes it mandatory for fresh graduates from state-run medical schools to work in the civil services for three years to avoid paying the penalties. 
The current penalty is Bt400,000 up front for those who do not serve in the public sector at all after graduation. The amount reduces depending on the time they spend serving the public. 
Many people believe if the penalties go up, the shortage of doctors in the public sector will ease. 
“But in fact, penalty is not the only factor,” Ittaporn said. “New doctors also have to think about their families, their financial circumstances, their work conditions, their team members, etc.”
He said even if the penalty counted for some, the higher rate would delay the resignation of doctors from state agencies for only a few years.
“We have conducted research on doctors’ decisions. From these findings, we have come to the conclusion that if we respond to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, these doctors will remain in public service,” he said. 
Ittaporn recommended offering reasonable pay, a good work environment, a great team, and legal protection as measures to motivate doctors to stay in public services.