The first batch of Cuban doctors and nurses are expected to arrive this week from Havana. however, refurbishment work is far from complete at the quarters where they will be staying. There are reports that the doctors will be accommodated at a local hotel while waiting for their quarters at the POS Hospital to be ready. At the Port-of-Spain General Hospital there were old mattresses, cushions, and dilapidated appliances to be taken away for disposal. Rooms were sparsely furnished. Newsday was reliably informed that clean-up work started about two weeks ago. Electricity and water connections were done yesterday. Approximately 37 doctors and 45 nurses will be coming to work in TT as the first grouprecruited by the Ministry of Health to address the shortage in the public health sector.

Information has been scarce about the distribution of the doctors across the Regional Health Authority managed hospitals and health centres. In April, Health Minister Colm Imbert said the doctors would be employed on two-year contracts “in the first instance.” He said facilities where they will work had been selected and accommodation was being prepared. One of the conditions under which they were hired was that their compensation package does not exceed that of locals holding similar positions.