Jamaica signs deal with Ghana to ease nurse shortage

Jamaica has signed a bilateral agreement with Ghana aimed at addressing shortages in the country’s health sector through the temporary deployment of Ghanaian nurses and doctors. 

The four-year Memorandum of Understanding, announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, establishes a framework for the voluntary recruitment of health professionals from Ghana as Jamaica continues investments in expanding and redeveloping its healthcare infrastructure.

“An agreement, such as this is not only in keeping with our Vision for Health 2030 plan but is fully aligned with the Ministry of Health & Wellness Jamaica’s Human Resource for Health Stabilization Strategy and our National Development Plan,” said Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton in a statement. 

The development comes amid ongoing concerns about staffing gaps in the health sector, particularly among specialists, following the termination of the country’s 50-year medical cooperation programme with Cuba in March, and continued overseas recruitment of Jamaican health professionals by wealthier nations.

According to the ministry, the agreement is intended to support healthcare delivery in Jamaica while also providing Ghanaian professionals with opportunities to enhance their skills and experience through international service.

The arrangement also seeks to promote ethical recruitment practices and long-term workforce development in both countries.

The ministry said Jamaica and Ghana would further strengthen cooperation in areas including primary healthcare reform, national health insurance and the management of non-communicable diseases.

“Today is a good day for public health and for international cooperation in health as this signing is an important step that will shape the future of healthcare for both countries,” Tufton said.

He added that Jamaica has maintained a “fruitful relationship” with Ghana and expressed confidence that ties between both countries would deepen through the partnership.

A Joint Implementation and Monitoring Committee will oversee recruitment, deployment, welfare arrangements and implementation of the programme.

Tufton is currently leading a technical delegation in Ghana for the Third Session of the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.

The delegation includes Permanent Secretary Errol Greene, Chief Medical Officer Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie and other senior health officials.

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