ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph says that close to a dozen medical professionals will be sourced from Cuba to boost the numbers at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Speaking on local radio earlier this week, Joseph disclosed that talks with the Cuban government are ongoing.
His statement followed a disruption in healthcare services at the hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are getting support from the Cuban government with nurses to fill the gap…and [we] met with the representative, the diplomat from Cuba, just last week,” he stated.
The health minister added that he has asked for six more doctors and five nurses in specialist areas.
Following the protest action, the hospital and the Nurses Association have been engaged in negotiations on issues affecting the nurses.
These include a need for better working conditions, overtime pay, and a lack of essential equipment. The next installment of negotiation talks is set for next Tuesday.
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