Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Services to Continue Despite End of Bilateral Agreement

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Eye care services delivered under the Jamaica-Cuba partnership will remain in operation even though the formal technical cooperation agreement between the two governments has concluded.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton provided the update during a hybrid press briefing on Monday, March 9, emphasizing the programme’s ongoing importance to public healthcare. The initiative, which operates at St Joseph’s Hospital, is currently supported by a team of 18 Cuban medical professionals.

Dr. Tufton noted that the ministry recognizes the significant benefits the service has provided to Jamaicans over the years and stressed that there is no plan to discontinue the programme. He explained that authorities intend to continue working with the existing team while discussions proceed and to implement other arrangements to maintain the service if necessary.

The minister also confirmed that Cuban specialists will continue conducting procedures up to March 20, with services limited to scheduled surgeries and post-operative care. Patients already booked for operations, as well as those requiring follow-up treatment and retina-related monitoring, will continue to receive attention.

Approximately 140 individuals are slated to undergo surgery during this period. Dr. Tufton urged patients who have already received procedures to keep their follow-up appointments to support proper recovery and ongoing care.

He added that steps are being taken to sustain screening services through a mix of internal healthcare resources and outsourced support. Cabinet approval has been granted for the measures, which include budget provisions to facilitate private-sector participation.