Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photo by Sarah Hazel Moces Palumbarit
A newly signed agreement between the University of the Philippines Manila and the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica is expected to improve the latter’s healthcare industry and initiate the sharing of medical knowledge and human resources between the two countries.
Under the agreement, signed on April 8, 2025, UP Manila will lead the training of Jamaica’s medical workers in alignment with the Caribbean island nation’s 10-year strategic framework, “Vision for Health 2030.” This plan was developed by the Jamaican government in response to the gaps in their healthcare system, which includes two important components: Human Resources and Infrastructure.
Through this strategic plan, officials of the island nation are aiming to ensure the availability and quality of highly trained health staff, reduce clinical staff migration by implementing retention policies in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and improve career opportunities for healthcare workers.
Chancellor Michael Tee and Minister of Health and Wellness of Jamaica, Christopher Tufton, led the signing of the agreement. Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi and College of Nursing Dean Sheila Bonito also signed the agreement, representing institutions that will help in the implementation of the partnership.
The partnership includes an exchange of academic information and research, joint participation in seminars, lectures, and academic conferences, as well as student exchanges, part-time faculty appointments, and other collaborative initiatives mutually agreed upon by both institutions.
Earlier in January, Tufton and Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa signed a Memorandum of Understanding, effectively opening collaboration between the two countries. The agreement entails training and certification of health professionals, exchange visits for specialist nurses and other medical professionals, and knowledge-sharing in biotechnology and medical equipment.#
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