Gov’t appoints Bangladeshi agency to recruit healthcare workers
In response to the growing need for healthcare workers in Guyana, the government has appointed a Bangladeshi agency to assist in recruiting skilled personnel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement confirming the appointment of the agency, Sigma Engineers Ltd. Inc., following a request from the company.
The statement references a letter dated 5 February 2024 that has been circulating in the media and outlining the government’s authorisation for the recruitment of healthcare workers from Bangladesh and other countries.
The statement noted that the move responds to concerns raised by both the public and private sectors regarding severe skills shortages in various critical sectors, including healthcare.
“The Private Sector Commission has on numerous occasions requested the Government’s assistance in addressing the need to fill the skills shortages not only in the health sector but also in the critical sectors of construction, engineering, and services given the expansion and growth of Guyana’s economy,” the statement said.
The Ministry emphasised that the authorisation was granted to prevent issues such as human trafficking or any abuse of the recruitment process.
Despite the appointment of the agency, no healthcare workers have been recruited through Sigma Engineers Ltd. Inc. to date, as shortages are currently being filled by personnel from Cuba.
“The Government of Guyana remains open to the recruitment of specialised skills which do not currently exist in Guyana from any part of the globe, for both the public and private sectors,” the Ministry stated.
Healthcare workers have been leaving the country in droves to seek better opportunities elsewhere. This has prompted the government to turn to Cuba for help to fill the gap.
