Mexico to maintain acceptance of Cuban medical workers amid US pressure

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Confirms Continued Participation in Cuban Medical Programme

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico will continue to receive medical workers from Cuba as part of a longstanding programme aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement, which began in 2022, has seen thousands of Cuban doctors deploy to rural areas in Mexico. According to Sheinbaum, the arrangement has been beneficial for Mexico, providing much-needed medical specialists to underserved regions.

Sheinbaum stated that the bilateral agreement has helped address a shortage of medical personnel in rural areas, where Mexican doctors and specialists often struggle to reach due to limited access. The Cuban medical workers have filled this gap, allowing for improved healthcare services in these areas.

The US government has recently passed a law that could lead to sanctions on countries participating in the programme. The law requires the US secretary of state to issue a report within 90 days identifying countries that continue to pay Cuba for the “coerced and trafficked labour” of Cuban medical professionals.

Several countries, including the Bahamas, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Guyana, have already ended their participation in the programme. The Mexican government has sought to balance its relations with Cuba while complying with US demands.

In response to the pressure, Sheinbaum’s administration has taken steps to support Cuba, including sending humanitarian aid vessels to the island.

Source: Al Jazeera