A Cuban healthcare professional, Dr. Asiel Pérez Rocillo, who was sent to Mexico as part of the Cuban regime's medical export program, unexpectedly passed away in the country this past Saturday afternoon. This news was confirmed by the Cuban Embassy.
Dr. Pérez Rocillo, a Family Medicine specialist, was providing services at Xicotepec Integrated Hospital in the state of Puebla. The diplomatic mission shared this information in a brief statement released on Sunday, though they did not disclose the cause of the doctor's death.
The embassy expressed, "With profound sorrow, we learned of the sudden passing of Dr. Asiel Pérez Rocillo today; a Cuban Family Medicine specialist offering his expertise to the Mexican people at the Xicotepec Integrated Hospital, Puebla." This message was shared on the social media platform X.
According to the statement, the Medical Brigade's leadership, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), and the embassy reached out "immediately" to the doctor's family in Cuba. They are making all necessary arrangements to provide the required consular support and to facilitate his repatriation.
"His colleagues and our mission extend heartfelt condolences to his family," the statement concluded.
Pérez Rocillo was among the 3,101 Cuban healthcare professionals working in Mexico due to agreements between the two nations to send doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians from the island to Mexico.
The hiring of Cuban medical personnel has sparked significant criticism, as it exacerbates the shortage of doctors and nurses in Cuba, worsening the national healthcare system crisis and directly affecting the Cuban population. Meanwhile, the Cuban government earns substantial revenue from exporting these services.
Pérez Rocillo's death follows the recent passing of two other Cuban doctors working abroad. On January 4th, Dr. Jorge Luis Dupré Zanetti, who served as the health director in the Carrizal municipality of Miranda, Venezuela, since 2021, died from a heart attack. His involvement was part of a collaboration program between the governments of both countries. Four days later, Dr. Santa Gaspar Lewis, an Internal Medicine specialist from Guantánamo, passed away in Angola due to malaria complications. She had been practicing in the African nation for several years under a personal contract.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Medical Professionals Abroad
Why are Cuban doctors working in countries like Mexico and Venezuela?
Cuban doctors are working abroad under agreements between Cuba and other countries to provide medical services. This is part of the Cuban government's strategy to export medical services for revenue while claiming to help meet healthcare needs in other nations.
What impact does sending Cuban doctors abroad have on Cuba?
Sending doctors abroad has led to a shortage of medical professionals in Cuba, worsening the national healthcare crisis and affecting the well-being of the Cuban population.
How does the Cuban government benefit from exporting medical services?
The Cuban government earns significant income from exporting medical services, as these agreements often involve payments to the Cuban state, which retains a large portion of the revenues.