The government of Guyana has announced plans to recruit 200 nurses from Cuba in order to address a critical shortage in the country’s healthcare system. This initiative comes as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation revealed an overall deficit of approximately 600 nurses for optimal patient care, with an estimated 107 nurses resigning in 2022.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed the recruitment of 80 Cuban nurses this year to alleviate the shortage, and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to further bolstering the nursing workforce in the coming year. The government aims to reduce the workload of nurses while simultaneously addressing attrition issues within the healthcare sector.
In addition to recruiting nurses from Cuba, the Ministry of Health is focused on training and integrating Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals through a three-month crash course. This initiative will ensure that the newly recruited nurses are well-equipped to provide quality care within the local healthcare system.
Looking ahead, the government recognizes the need for an estimated 4,000 nurses in the coming years, as it continues to expand healthcare facilities and increase salaries for healthcare workers. Efforts are also underway to recruit and train an additional 1,000 to 1,200 individuals for nursing training next year.
While addressing the immediate shortage with international recruitment, the government is taking proactive steps to invest in the long-term sustainability of the healthcare workforce. By expanding training programs and increasing recruitment efforts, the Ministry of Health is striving to build a robust and resilient nursing workforce for the future.
This announcement comes at a crucial time for Guyana’s healthcare sector, as the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and works towards strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. The government’s proactive approach to addressing nurse shortages underscores its commitment to providing quality healthcare services for the people of Guyana.
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