The Health Ministry has established an International Recruitment Unit (IRU).

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says Cabinet has given approval for the unit, pointing out that the future of human resources for Jamaica’s health system will be multicultural and collaborative across borders.

The IRU is part of the human resources in health (HRH) stabilisation strategy.

The Ministry says there continues to be a critical shortage of certain categories of healthcare workers.

Dr Tufton indicates that the Unit will play a critical role in addressing workforce shortages in specialised areas.

These areas are intensive care, midwifery, psychiatry, operating theatre nursing and neonatal care.

He adds that more than 70 specialist nurses from overseas have been interviewed for possible deployment, and the Ministry has signed agreements with India, Nigeria, and Ghana to collaborate on training and recruitment.

Dr. Tufton was making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday.