Belize Awards 60 Health Scholarships to Strengthen Public Care

In a significant move to address healthcare workforce shortages, Belize has awarded sixty scholarships to students pursuing nursing, pharmacology, and midwifery. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is part of a broader ten-year training plan approved by the Cabinet, with an investment exceeding twenty million dollars. The plan aims to strengthen the ranks of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and specialists, to build a more resilient public health system. The Ministry has collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Education to secure the necessary funding for these scholarships. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard emphasized the importance of investing in local talent to prevent the migration of skilled professionals to larger countries. Minister of Education Oscar Requena encouraged recipients to utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to Belize’s healthcare system. The IDB’s Country Economist, Camilo Pecha, highlighted the project’s focus on both infrastructure and human capital, marking the official start of a scholarship program that will benefit over thirty public health professionals. This initiative is a critical step toward improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring a sustainable future for Belize’s public health sector.