Despite widespread criticism over Cuba's ongoing export of medical professionals, the regime has recently dispatched another group of 12 healthcare workers to the neighboring Caribbean island of Dominica, as reported by official sources. Just weeks after the arrival of a previous Cuban team, Miguel Díaz-Canel's government has expanded the roster of the medical brigade serving in Dominica, deploying new specialists, nurses, and technicians who will be assigned to various health centers across the island, according to a statement from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX).
The Foreign Ministry emphasized, "Their work will be pivotal in enhancing primary care and other essential medical services." The Cuban healthcare team was welcomed on Friday at the Douglas-Charles International Airport by Cuban Ambassador Miguel Fraga and Dr. Lynora Fevrier Drigo, the chief medical officer of Dominica. The ambassador stated that the mission of the Cuban personnel is "clear: to improve the quality of life and health of the people of Dominica."
Domestic Healthcare Crisis Worsens
Meanwhile, back in Cuba, the absence of doctors and nurses in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices, coupled with a scarcity of medications and basic supplies, continues to endanger the health of the population. This represents the most severe crisis in the Cuban healthcare system, with no signs of resolution from the government.
On September 9, Dominica's Health Minister, Cassanni Laville, officially received a group of Cuban professionals specializing in intensive care, general medicine, neonatology, obstetrics, radiography, laboratory services, electromedicine, and nursing.
Cuban Health Workers Face Language Barriers
In 2020, Cuban medical brigades were sent to Dominica and other Caribbean nations as part of the Henry Reeve International Contingent, providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the presence of Cuban health professionals has been crucial during crises, English-speaking residents have noted that language barriers hinder effective medical care.
The Cuban government, which withholds the majority of the salaries from these professionals, faces criticism for failing to ensure their safety and fair working conditions. Despite this, authorities continue to sign contracts without addressing key issues such as language proficiency in the host country.
Concerns Over Labor Practices
In June, a report from the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed Cuba's status at the highest alert level (Level 3) due to its non-compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. This level indicates that the Cuban regime is not only failing to make significant efforts to tackle this issue but also engaging in governmental practices that facilitate and profit from forced labor.