Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Ghana. The Bilateral Agreement will support Jamaica in its efforts to address shortages in the health sector for nurses, including, specialised areas, even as the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health & Wellness makes significant investments building and redeveloping the health infrastructure.

According to Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP, “an agreement, such as this is not only in keeping with our Vision for Health 2030 plan but is fully aligned with the Ministry of Health & Wellness Jamaica’s Human Resource for Health (HRH) Stabilization Strategy and our National Development Plan (Vision 2030) to ensure the provision of quality health services and to promote healthy lifestyles and environmental practices, as we strive to attain and sustain a healthy people, healthy environment.”

The four-year agreement establishes a structured framework for the voluntary recruitment and temporary deployment of Ghanaian health professionals, particularly nurses and doctors, to support Jamaica’s healthcare system while promoting bilateral cooperation and ethical international recruitment practices.

The Agreement enables both countries to benefit from the strengthening of healthcare delivery in Jamaica; enhancing skills and experience of Ghanaian professionals; promoting international cooperation and ethical recruitment and supporting long-term workforce development in both countries.

FURTHER CO-OPERATION

Jamaica and Ghana will further strengthen their partnership in health, through additional technical cooperation in areas such as primary care reform, national health insurance, management of non-communicable diseases among others. This partnership will allow both countries to share knowledge, expertise and resources to advance our mutual health outcomes.

“Today is a good day for public health and for international cooperation in health as this signing is an important step that will shape the future of healthcare for both countries. It is another tangible demonstration of partnership in public health and a prime example of how countries can work together for the betterment of all interests. Jamaica has and continues to enjoy a fruitful relationship with the Republic of Ghana and I have no doubt our ties, after today will go deeper and grow stronger,” the Minister added.

In thanking the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Senator Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade team and the Ministry of Health & Wellness personnel, Dr. Tufton noted that a Joint Implementation and Monitoring Committee will oversee recruitment, deployment, welfare, and programme implementation under this Agreement.

The Minister of Health & Wellness is currently leading a technical team including the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Errol Greene and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health & Wellness in Ghana attending the Third Session of the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation convened with Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade.