The governor of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí, Ricardo Gallardo, announced plans to renovate two hospitals to accommodate 80 new Cuban doctors. This move continues the controversial hiring of healthcare professionals from the Caribbean island, a measure that has sparked considerable unrest in the region.
According to Gallardo, the arrival of Cuban doctors, who will join the Mexican medical staff, will improve healthcare services for families, as reported by Noticiero Edición 21 Rioverde. The governor emphasized that the inclusion of these Cuban specialists would enhance the range of medical services provided in the state, despite local doctors protesting the agreements between Cuba and Mexico.
Hospital Renovation Plans
Gallardo detailed that the renovation would start with the hospital in Ríoverde, followed by the facility in Ciudad Valles. He noted that the Ríoverde hospital is nearly complete: “With over 200 million pesos invested, featuring top-tier equipment, including a cutting-edge CT scanner that surpasses that of the Central Hospital, and state-of-the-art MRI machines, we are currently working on the facades. Previously, all surgeries had to be transferred to the capital of San Luis Potosí.”
In May, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez met with Zoé Robledo Aburto, the director general of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), to finalize agreements related to the employment of 1,200 Cuban doctors in Mexico. The meeting aimed to bolster medical cooperation between Cuba and Mexico, with both governments seeking to sign an unprecedented contract.
Criticism of the Initiative
Despite being presented as a solution to the shortage of medical personnel in Mexico’s rural areas, the initiative has faced criticism from healthcare professionals. Recently, Mexico's president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced that she had met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and confirmed the continuation of hiring Cuban doctors, despite strong criticisms labeling the program as a means to finance the Cuban dictatorial regime.
During the meeting, Sheinbaum explained that they discussed several topics, including the possibility of continuing to bring Cuban doctors to Mexico for at least the first year of her administration (2024-2030), as reported by the EFE news agency. “We met with the Cuban foreign minister, acknowledging that Cuba is a sister nation. We discussed, for example, the support they provide with Cuban doctors, aiming to maintain this support for the coming year, as well as other important aspects of Mexico-Cuba relations,” Sheinbaum stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Doctors in Mexico
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the hiring of Cuban doctors in Mexico and the associated hospital renovations.
Why is San Luis Potosí renovating hospitals for Cuban doctors?
Governor Ricardo Gallardo believes that the inclusion of Cuban doctors will improve healthcare services by providing a broader range of medical specialties.
What are the criticisms of hiring Cuban doctors in Mexico?
Critics argue that the program is a way to finance the Cuban regime and that it undermines local Mexican doctors who are already protesting the agreements between the two countries.
Which hospitals are being renovated, and what improvements are being made?
The hospitals in Ríoverde and Ciudad Valles are being renovated. The Ríoverde hospital is nearly completed, featuring significant investments in advanced medical equipment.