Letter of intent signed with Indonesia to form health-care recruitment partnership

New Brunswick is forging ahead with plans to alleviate critical shortages in its healthcare sector by potentially importing dozens of trained health-care workers from Indonesia as early as next year. The provincial government, represented by Health Minister Bruce Fitch and Indonesian Immigration Secretary General Rinardi Rusman, signed a letter of intent in Fredericton to streamline the recruitment process for Indonesian nurses and nursing aides.

Fitch highlighted the versatility of Indonesian health-care professionals, noting their ability to fill various roles, particularly in personal care at nursing homes and as nursing assistants in hospitals. Discussions also touched on pathways for these workers to advance to registered nurse status and expand their scope of practice within New Brunswick.

The urgency stems from ongoing challenges within the province’s healthcare system. Recent reports from the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes indicate significant bed closures due to staffing shortages, affecting long-term care facilities and leaving many seniors in hospitals awaiting placement. Vitalité Health Network’s announcement of emergency department closures underscores the severity of the staffing crisis faced by hospitals across the region.

During their visit, Indonesian officials expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to extend beyond healthcare, fostering broader economic and diplomatic ties between the two regions. Rusman emphasized Indonesia’s surplus of trained nurses seeking opportunities abroad, highlighting the economic benefits for families back home and the potential for New Brunswick to provide a welcoming environment and pathways to residency or citizenship for these workers.

Looking ahead, New Brunswick plans to send a delegation to Jakarta in October to initiate direct recruitment for a pilot project, mirroring successful efforts in the Philippines last year. A comprehensive memorandum of understanding with Indonesia is anticipated by 2025, with new healthcare workers expected to arrive within 12 to 18 months. Despite existing agreements with 14 countries and the recruitment of over 1,300 international healthcare workers since 2018, Minister Fitch stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach, including expanded domestic training programs, to address both current and future staffing needs.

As New Brunswick continues to navigate its healthcare workforce challenges, the partnership with Indonesia represents a strategic step towards bolstering the province’s healthcare infrastructure while strengthening international relations and economic ties.

New Brunswick is actively seeking healthcare professionals to alleviate workforce shortages in the province’s health sector. Here are the key opportunities available:

In Medicine:

• Family Physicians: New Brunswick boasts the third-highest per capita rate of family physicians in Canada.
• Medical Specialists: Various career opportunities are available across different medical specialties.
• Medical Learners: The province offers residency programs and other training opportunities for medical students.

In Nursing:

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Full-time, part-time, and casual NP positions are open in multiple settings.
• Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs can explore diverse roles and environments within the healthcare system.
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Positions for LPNs are available throughout the healthcare sector.
• Nursing Aides/Personal Support Workers: Opportunities exist for nursing aides and personal support workers.
• Nursing Students: New Brunswick provides clinical placements and training for nursing students.

In Allied Health:

• Various allied health professions are in demand, including Audiologists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Respiratory Therapists, Social Workers, and Speech-Language Pathologists.
• The NB Clinical Education Program supports specialized allied health training and clinical placements.

Overall, New Brunswick is actively recruiting healthcare professionals across medicine, nursing, and allied health to strengthen its healthcare system and address workforce shortages.