Health ministry asking nurses to come back home

Facing rising patient demand and persistent hospital shortages, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging Jamaican nurses in the diaspora to return home and apply for positions.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the call is part of a targeted recruitment drive, acknowledging that migration has left significant gaps in the system.

"We are saying to the diaspora, come back home. Jamaica is a safer place, and our health system is improving in many ways," Tufton said. "We are building new hospitals and operating theatres. Spanish Town Hospital is under construction, UHWI is under construction so there are a lot of improvements taking place."

"While we may not be able to compete on a salary basis, the truth is we have improved significantly in the last compensation review, and the work environment has also improved. It is a work in progress," he added. It is unclear how many nurses leave Jamaica annually.

Despite global uncertainties, Tufton suggested that returning home offers a peace of mind.

"There is a safer environment and greater peace of mind knowing that you are home where the heart is and where the strongest connections are," he said.

Tufton opined that some nurses who migrated, earned and established themselves abroad, may now be ready to exchange higher income for stability and quality of life.

"There are a lot of personal reasons and incentives outside of a salary every month," he added.

Last July, the ministry hosted its first-ever career expo and employment fair at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, where 2,907 people were screened for more than 600 job vacancies. However, Tufton clarified that not all nursing positions are experiencing shortages.

"For a registered nurse entering the workforce, the gaps may be much less," he said.

According to Tufton, the most critical shortages are in specialised areas, including operating theatre nurses, oncology nurses, neonatology nurses, and nephrology nurses.

"The call is not to ignore those on the island who want work, but to fill the necessary gaps," he stressed.

To further attract diaspora nurses, the ministry is also offering additional support packages.

"There is support for relocation, which will be discussed based on application, settling allowances, and other benefits similar to what we would offer foreign workers with permits," Tufton said.

The minister said the ministry is awaiting feedback from the recruitment drive but remains committed to exploring multiple strategies to address staffing shortages.