Government considers contracting Cuban medical professionals individually 

Belize is moving to individually contract Cuban doctors and other healthcare professionals as the Government considers the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade.  The proposal would allow Cuban professionals to work directly within Belize’s public health system instead of serving under the existing government-to-government arrangement. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard confirmed that the option is being considered but explained that Belize cannot make the change on its own. Any such arrangement would first require the approval of the Cuban Government.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness: “All I can say to you is that we have, I know through the Minister of Foreign Affairs a note has been sent to the Cuban Embassy in terms of looking at how we are able, proposition is for us to be able to provide individual contracts to these doctors and nurses that are here already. It is that hope that that will be accepted. And we are hoping again, as I said, it’s always in our best interest to see that we get these people to stay. And so we’re working all the mechanisms. We’re just waiting for a response, I believe. As soon as I have them, I will be able to provide a detailed update for the media.”

Reporter: Do you know how soon you should hear back from them? 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness: “I mean, it goes on a daily basis. And so we are hoping that by this week we should hear some positive news.”

The discussion comes amid continued uncertainty over Cuba’s overseas medical programme and increased pressure from the United States, which has criticised the conditions under which some Cuban professionals are deployed. Belize has maintained that Cuban doctors, nurses and other specialists play an important role in the country’s health system.  Belize continues to face difficulty attracting and retaining enough medical professionals, particularly nurses, doctors and specialists. The shortage is more noticeable in rural communities and district hospitals, where vacancies can affect the availability of services and place added pressure on existing staff.