The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) has welcomed the announcement by the government that it will provide $2.5 billion in scholarships for Jamaicans pursuing studies in public health.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton made the announcement during his sectoral presentation in parliament last week.

He noted that the scholarship programme, named in honour of former chief medical officer, Dr. Barry Wint, will be open to students studying nursing, medicine, public health, medical technology, pharmacy, and dentistry, among other areas.

Dr. Tufton said the scholarships are aimed at filling critical gaps in human resource requirements.

Reacting to the announcement, NAJ president Dawn Marie Richards, noted that it comes after recent lobbying efforts from the association.

The Ministry is aiming to have the scholarships available starting this September, with graduate and postgraduate students eligible to apply.

The recipients will be bonded to work in the public health system for a period.