Migration of Health-care Workers Threatens Quality of Care in the Caribbean

The surge in migration among health-care workers threatens the quality of care and jeopardises health outcomes for the People of the Caribbean Community.

COHSOD Meeting Addresses the Issue

This was the warning shared by Dr. Andy St. Hilaire, Officer in Charge, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dominica and Chair of the Meeting of Officials Preparatory to the Forty-Seventh Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) held on Sept. 11.

The Policy Brief on the Migration of Health-care Workers in the Caribbean, a crucial document for consideration by health sector development stakeholders, was presented at the Meeting.

Stakeholders Come Together to Address the Issue

Dr. Hilaire encouraged robust discussion on the policy brief and strongly advocated for the crucial role of collective action in tackling the issue during his engagement with stakeholders at the Meeting. These included Chief Medical Officers, national health officials, representatives from regional institutions and bodies, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission. Regional and international partners, including the Global Fund and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) also participated.

Collective Action and Innovation are required

Dr. Hilaire advocated for a unified approach by health sector development stakeholders to retain Caribbean health-care workers.

He stated, “This meeting presents an excellent opportunity for us to provide our collective insight to address the challenges we face in assuring health for all people in the Region, and we should chart a course towards more integrated and effective approaches to achieving resilient and responsive health systems.”

He highlighted that the diversity of expertise and perspectives from stakeholders at the meeting will help to achieve the necessary creativity and innovation to reach meaningful solutions.

The Way Forward

The migration of health-care workers policy brief will form a pivotal part of the discussions for CARICOM Ministers of Health attending the Forty-Seventh COHSOD – Health, scheduled for 27-28 September 2024 in Washington, DC, United States of America.

Conclusion

The migration of health-care workers is a pressing issue that requires a collective and innovative approach to address. The COHSOD meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss the policy brief and chart a course towards a more integrated and effective approach to retaining Caribbean health-care workers.

FAQs

Q: What is the main issue addressed at the COHSOD meeting?
A: The main issue addressed at the COHSOD meeting is the migration of health-care workers and its impact on the quality of care and health outcomes in the Caribbean.

Q: Who participated in the COHSOD meeting?
A: The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officers, national health officials, representatives from regional institutions and bodies, and regional and international partners.

Q: What is the significance of the Policy Brief on the Migration of Health-care Workers in the Caribbean?
A: The Policy Brief is a crucial document that presents a comprehensive overview of the issue and provides recommendations for addressing the migration of health-care workers in the Caribbean.