The Asian Collective For Health Systems (TACHS) is convening a webinar on Health Workforce Migration in Asia: Regional Realities, Global Consequences, bringing together experts from India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Panelists:
Johanna Banzon (Director, HRH Bureau, Department of Health, Philippines)
Saroj Jayasinghe (Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo)
Irudayarajan Sebastian (Chair, The International Institute of Migration and Development)
Moderated by PRIYANKA TOMAR (Research Associate, CSEP) and Lahiru Kodithuwakku (Public Relations Officer and Former Secretary, Sri Lanka Medical Association)
International migration of health workers has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in global health governance. While global demand for doctors and nurses continues to rise—driven by ageing populations, health system shocks, and workforce shortages in high-income countries—many countries in South and Southeast Asia are experiencing critical workforce gaps of their own. These dynamics raise urgent questions of equity, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
This webinar draws on a recent regional discussion paper developed through consultations with policymakers, experts, and practitioners across South and Southeast Asia. It aims to move the conversation beyond “brain drain” narratives toward a more nuanced understanding of regional realities, global interdependence, and policy-relevant pathways forward.
