Based on coverage from CTV and Country94.
New Brunswick and Indonesia Forge Health Care Partnership
In a groundbreaking move, New Brunswick has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia, marking the first formal health care agreement between the Southeast Asian nation and a Canadian jurisdiction. This strategic partnership aims to streamline the recruitment of trained nurses and personal support workers from Indonesia, addressing a pressing health human resources shortage in the province.
Addressing New Brunswick's Health Care Shortage
Health Minister John Dornan emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating, "The recruitment of internationally educated nurses represents a key component in addressing our current health human resources shortage." The MOU, which follows a letter of intent signed in July 2024, establishes a formal framework for the recruitment and deployment of Indonesian health-care workers in New Brunswick. This initiative is part of the province's broader strategy to ensure its health care systems are well-staffed and capable of providing quality care to New Brunswickers now and in the future.
The agreement is not just a one-way street. Dwi Setiawan Susanto, director general for promotion and utilization of overseas job opportunities at the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection, expressed appreciation for New Brunswick's commitment to building a transparent and accountable cooperation system. He noted that Indonesian health-care workers would contribute significantly to the province's health-care system while gaining valuable international work experience.
Streamlined Recruitment and Support
Under the new MOU, New Brunswick employers can now offer positions to identified candidates from Indonesia. The provincial government is committed to providing navigation support to these professionals, assisting with foreign qualification recognition and immigration processes. This support is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition for Indonesian health-care workers seeking employment opportunities in the province.
Since 2019, more than 1,300 internationally educated nurses have been recruited to work in New Brunswick as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or personal support workers. The province has developed expedited pathways for nurses trained in 14 countries to become licensed sooner, and this new agreement with Indonesia is expected to further bolster these efforts.
A Mutually Beneficial Agreement
The partnership is a win-win for both parties involved. For New Brunswick, it opens up a new source of skilled health-care professionals, helping to alleviate the province's staffing shortages. For Indonesia, it provides its health-care workers with the opportunity to gain high-quality international work experience, enhancing their skills and career prospects.
As the first formal health care agreement between Indonesia and a Canadian jurisdiction, this MOU sets a precedent for future collaborations. It highlights the potential for international partnerships to address local challenges while offering global opportunities. With the framework now in place, both New Brunswick and Indonesia are poised to benefit from this innovative approach to health care staffing.
