The health care system is expected to receive a boost with the recruitment of over 100 nurses from Ghana.

The Antigua and Barbuda Government has completed the recruitment of approximately one hundred and twenty (120) medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to reinforce and sustain the delivery of public health services across Antigua and Barbuda.

Some may ask why Ghana but Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant provided that answer during the Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Thursday.

“They have a great healthcare system, just as Cuba has. They have been involved in healthcare tourism in terms of having their healthcare professionals’ function outside of Ghana and so that country was recommended and chosen by the Ministry and the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center,” Merchant explained.

According to Merchant, interviews have already been conducted, and residents can be assured that quality medical personnel have been selected.

“This has been in the making for months. The interviews with nurses from Ghana would have taken place some two to three months ago. Health officials would have travelled to Ghana to conduct these interviews and hold discussions with the government there and so it is all part of a process that has been long in making and the government believes that this is the way forward to ensure that it continues to provide the best possible health care service to Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant added.

It is possible that alongside nurses other speciality doctors could be hired but that announcement will be made by the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

These medical personnel are expected to be fully deployed by the end of the current year.

Cabinet therefore agreed that the availability of this expanded cadre of health professionals will allow the Government to manage a smooth, orderly, and responsible transition in certain service arrangements involving Cuban medical professionals currently working in Antigua and Barbuda.

This transition is being undertaken carefully to ensure continuity of care and the uninterrupted provision of essential health services to the population.

The recruitment of nurses from Ghana signals the end of contractual agreements between the government and Cuban medical workers.

Cabinet thanked them for their valuable and constructive roles that they played over the years.

This transition forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the health sector, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance long-term resilience, while preserving positive diplomatic relations with countries that have supported Antigua and Barbuda’s development over the years.