A new group of 33 Cuban doctors left for Mexico as part of the health agreement signed between the two governments in May, the official press reported this Saturday.
Most of the group, made up of 18 men and 15 women, claimed to have “extensive experience in other missions” because they have “collaborated” in two or more countries, according to the television newscast.
The 33 Cubans will work together with other of their colleagues who are already in that country integrated into the health plan in charge of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) and Welfare.
Last Friday he arrived in the Mexican state of Campeche another group with 51 Cuban toilets. Governor Layda Sansores indicated that between September 12 and 16, they will receive training, and then join hospitals in marginal areas located in Candelaria, Xpujil, Sabancuy, Palizada, Escárcega, Champotón, Ciudad del Carmen, Calkiní and Hopelchén.
The agreement signed in May during the visit of the Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to Havana contemplates sending 641 Cuban doctors in a first stage to meet its goal of guaranteeing universal health.
Governor Layda Sansores indicated that between September 12 and 16, they will receive training, and then join hospitals in marginal areas
It entered into force as of the date of its signing, is valid for two years and may be modified by mutual consent, or may be terminated at any time, by written notice addressed ninety days in advance.
The presence of hundreds of Cuban doctors in hospitals in the Mexican capital contracted to combat the covid-19 pandemic sparked controversy in the country in 2020 due to their costs and the activities they carried out.
According to 1,000 reports written by the same Cuban health workers, who recognize that “ they were not in charge of covid care areas nor did they carry out any specialized activity“. This contrasts with the triumphalism of the Cuban authorities, who came to arrogate even the decrease in mortality caused by the coronavirus in Mexico. For example, a statement from the Ministry of Public Health last year, in which it was ensured that thanks to the health brigade reduced the fatality rate by 21% in the units to which the Cubans were assigned.
According to 1,000 reports written by the same Cuban health workers, who acknowledge that “they were not in charge of covid care areas nor did they carry out any specialized activity”
The controversy is now also growing because medical colleges in Mexico question the contract for Cubans when there are local specialists without a place.
López Obrador justified that there are vacancies in the Mexican Institute of Social Security and in the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers, but that the specialists do not take them because they are in rural and marginalized areas.
The NGO Prisoners Defenders also criticized the health agreements and the conditions of the Cuban professionals who make up the medical missions abroad.
On August 25, the president of the Prisoners Defenders association, Javier Larrondo, denounced that “ there are state security agents” among the 641 doctors contracted by Mexico in Cuba. In a press conference, which was attended by several members of Mexican civil society and took place at the Casablanca hotel in the Mexican capital, the organization presented the report The military truth behind the Cuban medical missions in Mexico.
Larrondo added that the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador “is allowing slavery on Mexican soil” and “financing” the Cuban regime. He also specified that, when the toilets entered the facilities of the Mexican Air Force, no more control was required than that carried out by the military, unlike what happens with ordinary passengers.
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