Cuban doctors issue demands clear answers

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to the April 10, news story: “Cuban exit exposes specialist gaps at CRH”, unfortunately, the story exposes much more than the specialist gaps. It also highlighted the information gap that the public is being exposed to base on the article’s attribution to Health Minister Christopher Tufton

His recent statements by the minister raise several serious and unresolved questions that the public cannot ignore. The minister acknowledges that the Cuban medical personnel were brought in to fill roles “not easily filled,” and that they provided specialized expertise that cannot be replaced by newly recruited staff. He further concedes that recent hires – nurses, patient care assistants, and doctors – do not compensate for the loss of those specialists.

On the other hand, workers are now being told to “double up,” even as the system loses precisely the kind of expertise it depends on.

What, then, is the public to understand from these conflicting messages? How are healthcare workers expected to “double up” in any meaningful or safe way when the very gaps they are being asked to fill have been described as difficult – if not impossible – to address locally?

The minister has also rejected the suggestion, including from the Jamaica Medical Association (JMA) that local doctors can readily fill these roles, reinforcing the point that the Cuban personnel were uniquely positioned to meet critical needs. If that is so, what is the plan to ensure continuity and quality of care for patients who rely on these specialized services?

Further, how exactly are the Jamaican people benefiting? What concrete support, if any, is being provided to offset the loss of personnel deemed essential by the minister himself?

There are also important financial and labour considerations that demand transparency.

Additionally, what implications will this shift have for local healthcare workers? Could efforts to urgently recruit or incentivise specialized staff create tensions around wages, working conditions, and equity within the system? How will the government balance the need to attract talent with maintaining fairness and morale among existing professionals?

Equally important, is the minister actively working with the JMA and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and responsible transition?

Finally, what will this shift cost? Will recruiting specialized personnel place a greater financial burden on the government and, ultimately, the public? And could urgent hiring measures create tension among local professionals around wages and working conditions?

The people deserve clear, consistent answers.

SYLVESTER ‘JIM’ BOWIE

Professor Emeritus

School of Social Work

CSU, Sacramento