Tufton assures Jamaicans that healthcare system will remain stable despite end of Cuban Medical Programme

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is assuring Jamaicans that the healthcare system will remain stable despite the end of the Cuban Medical Programme.

Dr. Tufton says the Ministry of Health has begun implementing measures to address staffing gaps expected when Cuban medical personnel exit the system.

He says for the next three to six months, the Ministry will intensify its recruitment drive to strengthen the local workforce.

Among the measures, 70 specialist nurses from the Jamaican diaspora – including professionals based in the United States and the United Kingdom – have been shortlisted for possible engagement.

The Health Minister says the system will also benefit from the return of 48 nurses and 33 doctors, who have completed training and are preparing to re-enter the public health sector.

Additionally, 100 nurses are to be promoted into specialist areas to reinforce critical services.

He adds that agreements are also being finalised to recruit doctors from Ghana and Nigeria, with that process expected to begin at the end of March.

He is expressing confidence that the measures will help the health system absorb the transition with minimal disruption.