Migration of nurses adding to Jamaica's COVID-19 woes

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has revealed that increased mass recruitment of nurses has been contributing to current staff shortages in Jamaica’s public healthcare system.

Dr. Tufton said on Tuesday that nurses are being recruited by neighboring countries.

One significant example of that, he said, the University Hospital of  the West Indies which has lost more than 40 nurses to overseas recruiters since the start of the year.

Dr. Tufton while acknowledging  that the government cannot prevent nurses going overseas for jobs, is worried that the situation has placed additional strain on the healthcare delivery system.

Accordingly, he’s appealing  for retired nurses and other qualified persons to offer their services on a temporary basis to regional health authorities.