The WHO, in collaboration with PAHO (2013), conducted a study across 16 Caribbean nations which revealed that there is a total of 43 practicing psychologists for more than 17.2 million people. The numbers were described as inadequate and have serious implications for PLWD in the Caribbean, but specifically Jamaica where it has been highlighted that there is a shortage of health care professionals.

According to World Bank Data (2017), Jamaica has a ratio of 1.3 physicians to every 1,000 persons (as compared with, for example, Trinidad and Tobago which has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 persons or Cuba, which has 8.2 physicians to every 1,000 persons).

On March 24, 2020, Jamaica received 150 specialist nurses and doctors from Cuba to assist in meeting the healthcare demand to fight against COVID-19.

References:

The World Bank. (2017). Physicians (per 1,000 people) – Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago. Available from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.MED.PHYS.ZS?locations=JM-CU-TT

World Health Organization, & PAHO. (2013). WHO-AIMS: Report on Mental Health Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Pan American Health Organization. https://www.mhinnovation.net/sites/default/files/downloads/innovation/reports/WHO-AIMS-REPORT-on-mental-health-systems-in-latin-american-and-the-caribbean.pdf