The president-elect of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on Tuesday that she met with Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, and confirmed the continuation of hiring doctors from the Caribbean island despite strong criticisms labeling the program as a form of financing the Cuban dictatorial regime.
During the meeting, Sheinbaum stated that they discussed several topics, including the possibility of continuing to bring Cuban doctors to Mexico, at least during the first year of her administration (2024-2030), according to EFE. "We met with the Cuban Foreign Minister. You know that Cuba is a sister nation, and we talked, for example, about the support they are providing us with Cuban doctors, being able to maintain it for the next year and some other important topics in the Mexico-Cuba relationship," Sheinbaum indicated.
Recently, the president-elect criticized accusations that the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, would continue to govern through her, calling these claims sexist and questioning whether the same things would be said if the incoming leader were not a woman, according to EFE.
Despite defending herself against critics and opponents who have labeled her a "copy" and "puppet" of López Obrador, Sheinbaum has already announced that she will maintain the policy of hiring Cuban doctors, showing alignment with the current AMLO government's policies.
The government of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí officially acknowledged that the recent arrival of ten Cuban doctors in the area caused discontent among locals. Daniel Acosta Díaz de León, head of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in San Luis Potosí, admitted that the presence of Cuban doctors irritated the population, who believe those positions should be filled by local doctors, as reported by El Sol de San Luis.
Additionally, in recent days, Mexican physician Francisco Moreno, who previously held the position of chief of medicine at the renowned ABC Medical Center in Mexico City, criticized the government for hiring Cuban doctors without verifying their quality and training. During a broadcast on El Financiero, Moreno denounced that the Mexican government hired Cuban doctors without considering "an equivalence of the studies carried out," warning that it is also unknown "what their true capabilities are."
This statement followed a meeting between the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Zoé Robledo Aburto, general director of IMSS, to finalize the agreements related to the contract of 1,200 Cuban doctors in Mexico.
Continuing the Hiring of Cuban Doctors in Mexico
This section aims to address common questions and provide information about the program of hiring Cuban doctors in Mexico, in light of the recent developments and announcements by President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum.
Why is Mexico hiring Cuban doctors?
The Mexican government has been hiring Cuban doctors to address shortages in healthcare professionals, especially in underserved and rural areas. The collaboration is seen as a way to bolster the healthcare system with experienced medical personnel.
What are the criticisms against this program?
Critics argue that the program financially supports the Cuban regime and takes jobs away from local Mexican doctors. Additionally, there are concerns about the verification of the Cuban doctors' qualifications and training.
How has the public reacted to the presence of Cuban doctors?
The reaction has been mixed. While some appreciate the additional medical support, others, especially in places like San Luis Potosí, have expressed dissatisfaction, feeling that these jobs should be given to local doctors.
What is Claudia Sheinbaum's stance on the issue?
Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her intention to continue the program of hiring Cuban doctors, aligning with the policies of the current administration led by Andrés Manuel López Obrador.