By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The future of Cuban doctors and nurses in Belize could be decided within weeks.
Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says the Government has extended its deadline on the matter and hopes to reach a resolution by the end of October.
Cuban medical personnel have long helped fill gaps in Belize’s health system, especially in rural communities where access to care can be limited. The Government says protecting that access must remain at the centre of any changes.
At the heart of the talks is a proposal to employ Cuban health workers in Belize on individual contracts, an approach the United States has encouraged. The proposal has been sent to Cuba for its agreement.
Belize is not the only country in the region working through the issue. In Jamaica, a longstanding agreement with Cuba broke down earlier this year. Jamaica has since rehired 157 Cuban medical professionals under new contracts, bringing the total serving there to 200.
For many Belizeans, particularly in rural areas, the outcome will matter. A smooth resolution could keep experienced health workers in place without disruption to services.
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