Antigua Government Invests in Nurse Retention Amid Healthcare Shortages

The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced plans to boost nurse retention and recruitment in response to ongoing healthcare shortages, including an incentive programme aimed at encouraging more locals to enter the profession.

During the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst confirmed that the government is expanding financial incentives to address the shortage of nurses in the country.

“We want to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda can train, retain, and expand its healthcare workforce, reducing the need for foreign recruitment,” Hurst stated.

The government’s plan includes:

Higher salaries to make nursing more financially attractive.

Scholarships and training grants for local students pursuing nursing degrees.

• Opportunities for career progression, including pathways to specialization and leadership roles.

Officials believe that better pay and career stability will encourage more Antiguans and Barbudans to join the healthcare sector while also reducing reliance on foreign medical personnel.

While increased salaries are expected to attract new entrants to the profession, some healthcare experts warn that workplace conditions and professional development opportunities must also be addressed.

“Nursing is not just about salaries—it’s about having the right support systems, manageable workloads, and career growth opportunities,” said one senior hospital administrator.

Additionally, nurses leaving for better-paying jobs abroad remains a challenge, with regional and international markets often offering more competitive wages and benefits.

The government has signaled its commitment to long-term workforce planning, with an emphasis on training local talent. There are also discussions on whether Antigua and Barbuda could become a regional hub for nursing education, exporting trained professionals *similar to the Cuban model.

With the healthcare sector under strain, the government hopes that these new incentives will help build a stable and sustainable nursing workforce, ensuring quality care for Antiguans and Barbudans in the years to come.

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