Antigua and Barbuda Health Minister Molwyn Joseph says that in an effort to boost the numbers at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, close to a dozen medical professionals will be sourced from Cuba.

Speaking on local radio, Joseph said that talks are ongoing with the Cuban government.

His statement followed a disruption in healthcare services at the hospital last Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We are getting support from the Cuban government with nurses to fill the gap . . . and [we] met with the representative, the diplomat from Cuba, just last week,” Joseph said.

Negotiation talks continue

The minister added that he has asked for an additional six doctors and five nurses in specialist areas.

Following the protest action, the hospital and the nurses’ association have been engaged in negotiations on issues affecting the nurses.

These include a need for better working conditions, overtime pay, and a lack of basic equipment.

The next installment of negotiation talks is set for today (May 2).