The Jamaican government is discontinuing the current arrangement concerning the deployment of medical professionals in the public health sector by Cuba.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement today.

It said both governments were unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a new technical cooperation arrangement, following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023.

The ministry said in the interest of continuity of the valuable service provided by the Cuban medical professionals in the country and for their personal certainty and well-being, the government has indicated its willingness for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to engage these medical professionals on an individual basis in keeping with local labour laws.

It noted that this arrangement would last for the remainder of their scheduled tenure in Jamaica under the programme.

The ministry pointed out that Cuban medical professionals have been serving in various public health facilities across the island and Jamaicans have benefited notably from the eye care programme as well as the general care by nurses and doctors.

The government said it expressed sincere appreciation to Cuba for its significant contribution to the health sector in Jamaica.