The Fight Against Brain Drain Continues

Belize has long faced the challenge of students leaving the country for higher education and not returning after completing their studies. To address this issue, the University of Belize today launched the nation’s first School of Medicine, allowing students to pursue medical education locally. While the program is still in the process of accreditation to meet international standards, it represents a crucial step forward. We spoke with Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, to discuss how the ministry is working to combat brain drain in Belize.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister, MOHW

“This is always a challenge similarly to any scholarship program we are looking at we will have to look at bonding some of our persons that, that are getting this opportunity. Sometimes it is said that it’s how you enforce the bond. But I think it’s also from you, the individual who gets the scholarship, knowing that an investment has been made on your behalf that you come back and serve your community. And I think that while we can have these bonds in place, It’s also a personal responsibility that one has to take to say, you know what, I have gotten the benefit from the whatever institution, whether it’s a private or government scholarship, that you come back and serve your community. And I think that we just have to look at the measures that we will put in place to ensure that we could keep these people here for as long as we can so that they continue to serve the community.”