Defence Forces sees exodus of doctors 'as better pay available elsewhere'

Four doctors left the Defence Forces over a period of six weeks up November 1 this year. File photo

Doctors are abandoning the Defence Forces in such numbers it is severely impacting the military’s capacity to provide health screening for new recruits, those in training or heading on overseas missions, as well as routine treatment for the injured or sick.

The Defence Forces should have 25 Medical Officers (doctors) based in the country. Due to a variety of reasons - vacancies, overseas duties and long-term sickness - just nine can be currently counted as operational.