The government has decision to restructure the payment system involving members of the Cuban Medical Brigade, whose presence provide a substantial support for the local healthcare system.
The decision comes in response to the threat by the Trump Administration to declare the Cuban Medical brigade as equivalent to “Human Trafficking”.
The Antigua and Barbuda government reiterates that it’s payment method and the contractual arrangement which the Government of Cuba and Antigua and Barbuda have entered into do not support this view.
Nevertheless, the Cabinet has made a decision to pay the Cuban Medical Brigade of Doctors and Nurses 100% of the contractual amount and to have each doctor or nurse receive the entire payment from the Antigua and Barbuda Government; statutory deductions will also be, made from each pay package as is done for every worker in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to government sources this approach has been communicated to the US Government Officials and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda awaits the US Governments’ response.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Heath informed that five new pieces of legislation will have their first reading at the next sitting of Parliament. They are the Mental Health Bill, the Abandonment of the Elderly Bill, the Licensing of Nurses Home Bill and the Sugary Drinks Bill.
In related developments, the Medical Benefit Scheme has agreed to set aside US$1 Million to purchase vaccines in the event of an outbreak or pandemic. Both the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO) and World Health Organization(WHO) have suffered a decrease in contributions since the United States has signaled its intent to withdraw from regional and international organizations and to end its funding that it once provided.
