A contingent of 199 Cuban doctors specializing in 29 different fields arrived in Mexico on Monday, as part of ongoing agreements between the two nations. These agreements have sparked controversy and criticism due to the healthcare professional shortage in Cuba and the substantial income the Cuban regime earns from these contracts.
The Cuban doctors will collaborate with their Mexican counterparts in remote communities across 24 states, according to a brief statement released by the Cuban Embassy in Mexico via social media.
Increasing Numbers Amidst Controversy
This large group of specialists joins the more than 3,000 Cuban doctors already serving in Mexico since the first batch of 54 arrived on July 22, 2022, as part of what the official Prensa Latina agency calls "bilateral cooperation."
While Cuban citizens endure a shortage of doctors, medicines, and essential supplies amidst a national healthcare crisis, the regime touts the "solidarity and expertise" of its doctors as being "ready to save lives."
Financial Implications and Human Rights Concerns
Last October, the newspaper Reforma disclosed that the Mexican government spends an average of 100,000 pesos per month (approximately $5,125) for each of the 3,101 Cuban doctors contracted. Of this, the doctors receive a monthly salary of 27,000 pesos (over $1,300), which is paid to a state-owned company in Havana. Additionally, Mexico covers an average of 77,394 pesos per month (around $4,000) per doctor for transportation, food, and lodging expenses.
In September, it was revealed that the administration of then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) had paid approximately $24,340,000 to the Cuban regime for the services of 610 doctors between July 2022 and December 2023, according to revelations by El Universal newspaper.
The Role of IMSS and International Criticism
The payment was made by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) to the Cuban private company Comercializadora de Servicios Cubanos, S.A. According to the newspaper's investigation, IMSS was unaware of the exact amount allocated as salaries to each health professional under the agreements, as "the contracting procedure is entirely managed by the company based in Cuba."
In late July, Mexico announced plans to increase the number of contracted Cuban doctors to 3,800, aiming to enhance healthcare services in 23 states. These agreements continue to fuel debate given the scarcity of medical personnel in Cuba, which severely impacts the local population.
Moreover, human rights organizations and international bodies have criticized the regime for the harsh working conditions imposed on exported doctors, labeling them "modern slavery." Nevertheless, Havana continues to benefit financially from its global medical missions.
In recent years, Mexico has been a key ally and supporter of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, not only through the provision of fuel and humanitarian aid but also through agreements such as purchasing stone for the Maya Train project and hiring Cuban healthcare professionals.