Health officials in two parishes say end of Cuban Medical Programme has led to adjustments to services

Health officials in Portland and St. Thomas say the end of the Cuban Medical Programme has led to adjustments to some services offered to the public.

Medical Officer of Health for Portland, Dr. Sharon Lewis, says the discontinuation of the programme will see a reduction in the number of patients who can be seen in curative and dental clinics.

She explains that dental services in the parish have already been scaled back.

According to Dr. Lewis, the public health system in Portland now has two dental surgeons instead of three.

In the meantime, the St. Thomas Health Department says the withdrawal is also having an impact on services in the parish.

Medical Officer of Health for St. Thomas, Dr. D’oyen Smith, says several health facilities that relied on Cuban medical professionals have been affected.

Addressing the recent meeting of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, Dr. Smith noted that the parish has long faced challenges, attracting Jamaican doctors.

He said efforts are being made to recruit additional doctors to fill the gap left by the Cubans.

Despite the doctors’ departure last Thursday, March 12, Dr. Smith said the medical team remains committed to maintaining the quality of healthcare services for residents of St. Thomas.