The Bahamas is set to overhaul how it engages Cuban healthcare professionals, moving away from government-to-government agreements and instead offering direct contracts to individuals, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville told Parliament on Monday.
The move comes amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of Cuba’s overseas medical program, which Washington has labeled as exploitative.
Darville said the Ministry of Health plans to shift its contract arrangements with Cuban medical workers currently serving in the Bahamas.
The change follows months of diplomatic consultations between Bahamian and U.S. officials. In March, Darville defended the Cuban medical presence, noting its importance to the country’s healthcare system—particularly in optometry, where Cuban professionals have delivered critical eye care services to hundreds of Bahamians.
At that time, the Bahamas joined other CARICOM nations in standing by Cuba’s medical brigade program, which the U.S. has described as a form of human trafficking. Washington recently expanded visa restrictions on individuals involved in Cuba’s labor export initiatives, further straining regional relationships.
Currently, there are 35 Cuban medical professionals working in the Bahamas, primarily as engineers, lab technicians, and X-ray technicians. Darville noted that recruitment for new Cuban health workers and teachers has been paused pending the outcome of ongoing U.S.-Bahamas discussions.
The Bahamas continues to face a shortage of local healthcare professionals. Darville warned that if Cuban personnel were to depart, the country would likely need to bring in foreign specialists to fill the gap until Bahamian doctors complete postgraduate training abroad.
