KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, August 22, 2025: The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, awarded close to 200 Jamaicans the Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship this year. These persons will pursue studies in various health-related field.

This year, the scholarship focussed on persons pursuing studies including biomedical engineering, radiology, counselling therapy, medical physics, and dental nurse therapy, in addition to third- and fourth-year nursing and medical students. The total value of disbursement for this year is approximately J$281,098,816 Million.

The introduction of the Dr. Barry Wint Scholarship Programme, which is named in honour of a former Chief Medical Officer, forms part of Government efforts to train and retain healthcare professionals for the health sector. Of the 536 recipients from the first cohort, 38 have graduated and are now working in the health sector.

During the 2025 award ceremony held on Friday, (August 22), Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton CD, MP, noted that, “As a Ministry of Health and Wellness, we are acutely aware of the challenges facing our health system – from shortages in specialties and skilled professionals to the growing demands of an evolving population.”

“The need for a robust, compassionate and well-trained healthcare workforce has never been greater. We stand at a critical moment where the health workforce across the globe, including here in Jamaica faces extraordinary challenges especially due to mass migration among staff,” added Dr. Tufton.

It is expected that the scholarship programme by 2027, will yield some 63 nursing graduates, four biomedical engineers, three social workers and 15 diagnostic imaging professionals who will serve the public health system.

By 2028, the programme is to see the addition of 56 nurses; 10 midwives; and nine social workers trained to serve the public health system. By 2029, the programme is to see the addition of 134 doctors and 42 dentists.