Okyere-Manu, Beatrice Dedaa.Mhlongo, Zesuliwe.2026-02-272026-02-2720252025https://hdl.handle.net/10413/24306Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.South Africa's healthcare system is characterized by a complex interplay between the public andprivate sectors, providing a comprehensive range of services nationwide. This dual approach aims to meet the diverse needs of the population, ensuring accessible healthcare for all while also cater-ing to those who prefer premium services through the private sector. The public healthcare system, funded by the government, serves the majority, especially in rural areas where resources are lim-ited. In contrast, the private healthcare sector, supported by medical aid schemes and out-of-pocket payments, offers a higher standard of care, attracting those who can afford it. Despite significant efforts to expand healthcare access since the end of apartheid, the public health system still suffers from resource shortages and faces numerous challenges, particularly in rural regions. As a result, many medical professionals consider migrating to more developed countries as a viable option. This study leverages secondary data from government reports and academic literature to examine the ethical implications of physician migration through the lens of consequentialism theory. The findings suggest that the migration of doctors exacerbates the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas, negatively impacting patient care and the rural healthcare system. While this migration offers individual benefits for doctors who choose to leave, it raises ethical concerns about the im-pact on rural communities in their home country. Nonetheless, this study suggests measures to create a more equitable healthcare system by improving rural working conditions and providing incentives to retain medical professionals.enCC0 1.0 Universalhttp://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/Healthcare workers.South Africa.Healthcare systems.Healthcare sector.Migration of doctors.Thesis