Ghanaian nurses are expected to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday afternoon.
The group includes more than 100 trained healthcare professionals.

The arrival forms part of a government effort to ease staffing shortages.
For years, shortages have strained the public healthcare system.
As a result, frontline workers have faced growing pressure.

Health officials say patient care has also been at risk.
Therefore, the recruitment drive became a priority.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Stacey Gregg-Paige, explained the process.
She said the recruitment followed formal government-to-government agreements.
Specifically, Antigua and Barbuda partnered with Ghana.

Moreover, the arrangement operated under a memorandum of understanding.
It also included a service agreement.
The Ministry of Legal Affairs approved both documents.

Accordingly, officials say the process met all legal standards.
It complied with public service rules.
It also met regulatory and immigration requirements.

The recruitment exercise took place in Accra last September.
It was conducted under Ghana’s Labour Exchange Programme.

Initially, 190 nurses applied for the positions.
After interviews and vetting, 127 candidates were selected.

Importantly, the Antigua and Barbuda Nursing Council led the screening.
This ensured professional standards were met.

Once in Antigua, the nurses will begin a structured orientation.
The programme will last three weeks.

During this period, they will receive cultural training.
They will also undergo clinical orientation.

Afterward, officials will assign them to health facilities.
These include hospitals and community clinics.

Meanwhile, health officials estimate a significant national need.
They say Antigua and Barbuda requires about 400 nurses.

Therefore, the arrival of this cohort offers relief.
It is expected to improve staffing levels.

In addition, the new nurses should reduce workloads.
Existing staff have often worked extended shifts.

Officials believe morale will improve as staffing stabilises.
Better staffing, they say, supports safer patient care.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects broader workforce planning.
Government leaders aim to strengthen health services long term.

While the shortages remain serious, this step marks progress.
Officials say additional recruitment may follow.

For now, the arrival of the Ghanaian nurses brings hope.
It signals practical action to support the healthcare system.

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