Health Ministry assessing situation regarding Jamaica-Cuban Medical Cooperation, will adjust to mitigate impact on health sector -Dr. Tufton

The Health and Wellness Ministry says it is assessing the situation regarding the Jamaica-Cuban Medical Cooperation and will make the necessary adjustments to mitigate any impact on the health sector.

Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith noted that the arrangement for deploying Cuban medical professionals in Jamaica’s public health sector would be discontinued as both Governments were unable to agree on new terms and conditions under a revised technical cooperation framework.

The previous arrangement ended in February 2023.

Since news of the decades-long agreement ending, the matter has been the topic of public discourse.

The Opposition has raised concerns about the impact on several public health hospitals and on the field of eye care, among other things.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, notes that while the Ministry appreciates the contributions of the programme, steps to ensure the continuity of service are being taken.

He also notes that the Jamaican Government’s offer remains available.