By Zoila Palma: Jamaica’s decision to end its decades-long medical cooperation programme with Cuba has raised concerns about the future of the two countries’ bilateral medical scholarship initiative.
The Jamaican government confirmed that the programme, which allowed Cuban doctors to work in the country’s healthcare system, will be discontinued after the two governments failed to agree on terms for a new arrangement, Reuters report.
According to Jamaica’s foreign ministry, Cuban medical professionals currently in the country will be allowed to complete the remainder of their scheduled contracts.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton previously noted that about 300 Cuban doctors and medical professionals have been working in Jamaica, even after a prior agreement expired in 2023.
Jamaica’s decision comes as several countries in the region reconsider medical cooperation with Cuba.
Guatemala and Honduras both announced in February that they would end similar programmes involving Cuban doctors, while the Bahamas said it was preparing to cancel contracts with Cuban healthcare professionals following discussions with the United States government.
The move has also caused uncertainty for Jamaican students studying medicine in Cuba under a longstanding scholarship programme.
The programme provides full tuition, accommodation, and meals for Jamaican students studying medicine, nursing, and other health sciences in Cuba, often requiring graduates to return home and work for several years.
Despite the concerns, Minister Tufton said there is currently no indication that the scholarship programme will be changed.
The post International News: Jamaica’s move to end 50-year Cuban Medical program sparks scholarship concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Jamaica’s decision to end its decades-long medical cooperation programme with Cuba has raised concerns about the future of the two countries’ bilateral medical scholarship initiative. The Jamaican government confirmed that the programme, which allowed Cuban doctors to work in the country’s healthcare system, will be discontinued after the two governments failed to
The post International News: Jamaica’s move to end 50-year Cuban Medical program sparks scholarship concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
