Public health continues to be a significant source of funding for the Cuban regime, as evidenced by the recent announcement from the government of Honduras, which will pay over a million dollars to train 170 doctors in 23 specialties on the Caribbean island.
A video circulating on social media explains that President Xiomara Castro’s administration will send 170 doctors to study in Cuba through the Solidarity Scholarships Program, paying the regime in Havana around 30 million lempiras (approximately 1.2 million dollars).
The doctors were selected from all 18 departments of Honduras, focusing on their proximity to communities where eight new hospitals are planned to be built under President Castro's administration.
Controversial Medical Missions and Pay Disparities
However, the regime's funding also includes the controversial "medical missions." Last February, the Honduras Medical College (CMH) denounced the salary privileges granted to Cuban doctors arriving in the Central American country, to the detriment of local doctors.
Samuel Santos from the CMH told HRN radio that there is no salary equity, stating that while a Honduran specialist earns 35,000 lempiras, a Cuban doctor receives 2,000 dollars (about 49,520 lempiras).
Moreover, Cuban professionals barely receive half of the money that the Honduran government pays for each of them.
Despite the criticisms, the Honduran government welcomed a brigade of 120 specialist doctors from Cuba last February, who will work in Honduras for two years, as reported by the French news agency AFP.
Key Questions about Honduras' Medical Training Program in Cuba
Here, we address some of the key questions and concerns regarding Honduras' decision to train doctors in Cuba and the implications of this move.
Why is Honduras sending doctors to train in Cuba?
Honduras is sending doctors to train in Cuba as part of the Solidarity Scholarships Program, aiming to enhance the medical expertise in the country and support the construction of new hospitals.
What are the salary disparities between Cuban and Honduran doctors?
Cuban doctors are reportedly paid significantly more than their Honduran counterparts, with Cuban specialists earning about 2,000 dollars compared to the 35,000 lempiras (approximately 1,400 dollars) earned by Honduran specialists.
How much is the Honduran government paying for the training program in Cuba?
The Honduran government is paying approximately 1.2 million dollars (30 million lempiras) to train 170 doctors in Cuba.