Approximately 40 Cuban healthcare workers who were previously part of the medical cooperation programme between Jamaica and Cuba have remained in the country under individual employment contracts, according to Health and Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton.

Jamaica’s Government Information Service reported Tufton said roughly 278 Cuban doctors had been working in Jamaica before the recent recall of healthcare workers under the bilateral arrangement.

Tufton said the Jamaican government has also invited additional Cuban healthcare professionals to return to the island under separate contractual arrangements rather than through the state-to-state programme.

“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,” the minister said.

He added that some healthcare workers who already returned to Cuba have expressed interest in coming back to Jamaica.

The minister also revealed that several Cuban healthcare workers currently in Jamaica have applied for permanent residency after spending years living and working on the island.

“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,” Tufton said, noting that some have lived in Jamaica for more than five years.

At the same time, Tufton said Jamaica is expanding its overseas recruitment efforts as it seeks to address shortages in key areas of the healthcare system.

He disclosed that Jamaica recently signed a memorandum of understanding with India focused on healthcare staffing, training and professional exchanges.

According to Tufton, the agreement could allow for Indian clinical personnel to work in Jamaica as the country seeks to strengthen healthcare capacity.

The minister also said discussions are ongoing with Apollo Health System to assist with Jamaica’s expanding hospital infrastructure, particularly in western Jamaica.

“Apollo Health System representatives visited and met with me, and we are now engaged in talks towards an agreement,” he said.

Tufton further noted that Jamaica has a healthcare cooperation agreement with Ghana and is also holding discussions with Nigeria.

“We have to solve the problem of healthcare worker shortage in some of the areas,” he said, adding that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a recruitment unit within the ministry to support overseas hiring initiatives.

The health minister acknowledged that the departure of many Cuban healthcare workers has affected some services, including operations under the Cuban Eye Care Programme at St Joseph’s Hospital.

“Of the 18 healthcare workers who were [stationed at] St. Joseph’s, six have remained, and others have indicated their interest in staying,” he said.

Tufton said services at St Joseph’s Hospital have since been integrated with Kingston Public Hospital as authorities work to maintain operations.

He added that shortages of specialists have also affected radiology and cancer treatment services, with the ministry continuing recruitment efforts while implementing extended work hours to reduce disruptions.