In a significant development for the healthcare system of the Bahamas, eighteen specialized nurses from Ghana are set to make their way to the Caribbean nation by the end of October.
The arrival of these skilled healthcare professionals is anticipated to provide much-needed support in addressing the ongoing shortage of nurses, a concern that has placed a considerable burden on the healthcare infrastructure.
Optimistic outlook
Bahamas’ Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville expressed his optimism about the timely arrival of the Ghanaian nurses.
Speaking during the Ministry of Health’s Leadership Forum opening ceremony, Darville said that he would like to see them in the country before the end of the month.
He added, “I believe we will be able to accomplish that so that we can fill a lot of gaps of specialty nurses that exist at the Princess Margaret Hospital and some at the Rand Memorial Hospital”.
Alleviating the strain
The shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, has taken a toll on the Bahamian healthcare workforce, leading to physical and mental exhaustion among frontline workers.
Darville acknowledged this challenge, stating that they look forward to the nurses to come to the country and to be able to improve the delivery of quality services at their hospitals. He added that the nurses can also help to take a lot of burdens from a lot of their specialty nurses who are working a lot of overtime.
The global recruitment challenge
Darville also highlighted the broader issue of international recruitment faced by countries in the Caribbean region, including the Bahamas.
“I want the Bahamian people to know that while we are recruiting, developed countries are recruiting in our country and it’s a burden that we currently face on a daily basis,” he said.
The Minister of Health and Wellness emphasized that despite these challenges, it is the ministry’s responsibility to ensure quality healthcare services are provided to the nation.
Comprehensive efforts
This initiative to address the nursing shortage is part of a broader effort by the Bahamian government.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospital Authority, disclosed that in addition to Ghana, nurses from the Philippines and possibly India are also expected to join the Bahamian healthcare workforce.
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