This Is What GOB Is Doing to Keep Nurses in Belize

The government introduced a retention package for nurses as part of efforts to address a growing global shortage and prevent local healthcare workers from leaving for better-paying jobs abroad.

Chief Nursing Officer Lizett Bell said the package, the first phase of which was implemented in the 2025/2026 budget cycle, was designed to recognise nurses who have chosen to remain in Belize and continue serving. 

The package includes several new allowances. All nurses will now receive a specialist allowance equivalent to 10% of their annual salary. The uniform allowance, previously set at $300 per year, has been increased to $500. A hazard allowance of $200 per month has been introduced, along with a night allowance for those working late hours and a responsibility allowance of $300 per month for nurses who are required to be on call.

“They are required to work on call with no compensation, so now we are providing a responsibility allowance to them as a small compensation for them being available for services,” Bell said.

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) was not initially included in the package, but CEO Sharine Reyes told News Five that following discussions and concerns raised by the hospital, the ministry agreed to bring KHMH on board.

“They have asked us for our numbers as it relates to nurses and for us to give them a financial value or to add it up financially to see how best they can assist us,” Reyes said.