In a significant step towards enhancing Jamaica’s public health services, 2,480 candidates have successfully progressed from a recent job fair hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Minister Dr Christopher Tufton shared this update during a House of Representatives session on February 11, revealing that the event attracted 2,907 applicants vying for over 600 healthcare positions available nationwide.
The Ministry called attention to the diverse range of positions that saw interest, including Patient Care Assistants, Community Health Aides, and Health Records Clerks. Dr Tufton noted that this recruitment drive was especially crucial for roles that had long gone unfilled, such as regional pharmacists and medical physicists, particularly in areas like St Thomas.
The Southern Region benefited too, with five nurses being recruited for the Chapelton Community Hospital, ensuring around-the-clock medical services for the local population. In the western region, seven doctors are in the pipeline for engagement by the Western Regional Health Authority as Medical Officers of Health.
Dr Tufton reported that feedback from the fair will help refine future recruiting methods and may lead to annual career expos to meet health sector staffing needs. Applications varied across health authorities, with SERHA receiving the lion’s share of 37.7%, while the National Council on Drug Abuse attracted nearly a quarter of applicants, reflecting increased attention towards mental health roles.
The recruitment process will continue, systematically logging jobseeker information to assist future workforce strategies. The drive’s success underscores the significant interest in various health positions, enhancing service delivery across Jamaica’s healthcare system while addressing long-term vacancies.
Over 2,000 candidates have advanced in interviews for over 600 health jobs after attending a recent job fair organised by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. This event, aimed at filling critical roles, saw robust participation, especially in administrative and mental health positions. Continuous recruitment and the development of a jobseeker database are planned to sustain workforce enhancements.
The recent job fair conducted by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness marked a triumphant success, with nearly 2,500 candidates qualifying for vital healthcare roles. The event not only aimed to fill long-vacant positions but also highlighted a growing interest in both traditional and mental health roles. Moving forward, ongoing recruitment efforts and regular career expos are anticipated to further strengthen the public health workforce in the country.
Original Source: jamaica.loopnews.com
