More than 40 Cuban healthcare workers who were previously part of a bilateral arrangement between Jamaica and Cuba have opted to remain in Jamaica and are now working under individual contracts, according to Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton.
Speaking with journalists at the Ministry in New Kingston, Dr. Tufton said that prior to the recall of Cuban medical personnel, about 278 doctors were engaged under the programme.
“Of that number… about over 40 decided not to return [to Cuba] and were given individual contracts… and are working in the [local health] system now,” he said.
He added that the government has extended an open invitation for additional Cuban healthcare workers to return to Jamaica under new contractual arrangements.
“Beyond that, all were offered a letter to say if they are interested, we’d be willing to re-engage them based on their own interests… but on the basis of individual contracts,” he said, noting that some who had already returned to Cuba have also expressed interest in coming back.
Dr. Tufton further disclosed that some Cuban healthcare workers currently in Jamaica have applied for permanent residency after several years of service.
“Some of them that are here on work permits have been here for a period of time and have expressed their interest to have permanent status… which is allowable under the law,” he said, adding that in some cases they have been in the country for five years or more.
He noted that Jamaica’s health workforce strategy is now expanding beyond Cuba as the country seeks to address critical staffing shortages.
The government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with India to support cooperation in healthcare staffing, training, and clinical exchanges. Dr. Tufton said the agreement includes the possibility of rotating clinical personnel to Jamaica.
He also pointed to ongoing discussions with India’s Apollo Health System to support the expansion of Jamaica’s hospital network, including preparations for new facilities in western Jamaica.
Additionally, he said Jamaica has an existing agreement with Ghana and is in talks with Nigeria on further cooperation.
Dr. Tufton acknowledged that the departure of some Cuban healthcare workers has affected certain services, including the Cuban Eye Care Programme at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston, which has been scaled down.
He said that of 18 Cuban workers assigned there, six have remained, while others have indicated interest in staying.
Operations at St. Joseph’s have since been integrated with Kingston Public Hospital, with some Cuban staff now working across both facilities to maintain service delivery.
The Health Minister also noted shortages of specialists in areas such as radiology and cancer treatment, adding that the ministry is actively recruiting overseas while extending working hours locally to reduce service disruptions.
