The Government of Jamaica has officially discontinued its longstanding medical cooperation programme with Cuba, bringing an end to a partnership that has supported the island’s public health system for nearly five decades.
The decision was announced Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith. In a statement, the ministry said the programme concluded after both governments were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a new technical cooperation arrangement following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023.
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“This comes as 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. It added: “The Government of Jamaica has taken the decision to discontinue the current arrangement concerning the deployment of medical professionals in the public health sector by the Government of Cuba.”
The move marks a significant shift in Jamaica’s health sector, where Cuban doctors, nurses, and specialists have long played a key role in supplementing the country’s limited medical workforce. Since the programme began in 1976, hundreds of Cuban medical professionals have served in hospitals and clinics across the island, providing services ranging from primary care to specialist treatment.
Jamaican officials emphasised that the transition will be handled carefully to avoid disruption to healthcare services. According to the ministry, Cuban medical professionals currently working in Jamaica may continue their duties under individual employment arrangements that comply with Jamaican labour laws.
“In the interest of continuity of the valuable service provided by the Cuban medical professionals present in the country, and for their personal certainty and well-being, the Government of Jamaica 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,” the ministry said. The arrangement would remain in place for the remainder of the workers’ scheduled tenure under the programme.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to the Cuban government for its longstanding contributions to Jamaica’s healthcare system. Cuban personnel have been involved in a number of initiatives, including specialised eye care programmes and the provision of general medical services in underserved communities.
Last month, Health and Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton confirmed that nearly 300 Cuban doctors and specialists were still serving in Jamaica under existing contracts, despite the expiration of the earlier memorandum of understanding.
“It’s still in effect. We still have the Cuban workers here,” Tufton told The Gleaner at the time. “There is a negotiation, though, that is taking place regarding the current agreement. The old one has expired and some conversations have been taking place, and that process is ongoing.”
Tufton acknowledged that certain requests made by Jamaica during negotiations could complicate efforts to finalise a new agreement, though he declined to provide details about the specific requirements under discussion.
The development comes amid growing international scrutiny of Cuba’s overseas medical missions, particularly from the United States. Washington has accused the programme of involving forced labour and human trafficking allegations that have been firmly rejected by Caribbean leaders, who have defended the initiative as an important component of regional healthcare systems.
The issue has reportedly featured prominently in discussions within the Jamaican government as the administration of Prime Minister Andrew Holness navigates diplomatic relations with the United States while maintaining longstanding ties with Cuba.
“The implications for the health sector are great and it is a terrible situation for any health minister, to be caught up between saving lives and foreign policy fights,” a government official familiar with the discussions told The Gleaner on condition of anonymity. “Jamaica has made its choice.”
Regional governments are also reconsidering their arrangements with Cuban medical missions. Earlier this week, Dominica announced plans to modify its own cooperation programme by offering individual contracts to Cuban medical professionals.
The policy shift in Jamaica coincides with upcoming parliamentary scrutiny of the government’s proposed $1.4 trillion budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, which begins on April 1. Tufton is expected to appear before Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee to address questions related to the health sector.
Speaking at a recent regional meeting, Prime Minister Holness acknowledged Cuba’s longstanding support to Caribbean healthcare systems while reiterating Jamaica’s broader political principles.
“We do not believe that long-term stability can exist where economic freedom is constrained and political participation is limited,” Holness said, adding that Jamaica remains sensitive to the hardships faced by the Cuban people.
Cuba has also played a significant role in training Caribbean medical professionals. Since the 1970s, the country has provided scholarships to hundreds of Caribbean students to study medicine and dentistry, many of whom now serve in hospitals and clinics throughout the region.
