Compulsory service programmes for recruiting health workers in remote and rural areas: do they work?
WHO Bulletin
Based on the literature review and key informant interviews, this study identified three types of compulsory service programmes in 70 countries, all governed by some type of regulations. These are 1.condition of service/state employment programme 2. compulsory services with incentives, and 3. compulsory services without incentives
The aim of this paper is to explain these programmes, to identify the countries that have had such programmes and to discuss the programmes in the light of important issues that are related to policy concepts and implementation. Well planned compulsory services programmes with incentives can contribute to the distribution and retention of health workforce in underserved areas of the country.