What’s Behind Shortage of Nurses in Belize

Augustina Elijio

But understaffed hospitals continue to be one of the primary challenges facing the healthcare system. As it currently stands, demands are not being met despite efforts by the Ministry of Health to train specialized nurses. Chief Nursing Officer, Augustina Elijio explains.

Augustina Elijio, Chief Nursing Officer/Deputy DHS

“I must say that nurse shortage is a global issue. It is not only Belize suffering a nurses shortage, but we see the need to have the relevant categories of nurses in country. Even though we are struggling in terms of number, we do have persons in place. We try on an annual basis to have training program in different areas for nurses. So we are building capacity, not as fast as we might like to. The Ministry of Health, I must also say, is quite aware of this push and pull factor as it relates to nursing shortage; why nurses leave. So strategies are being addressed. We are having training, we are having scholarships, we are having quite a number of incentives to try to retain our nurses in country.”