The Health Councilor in Ayotoxco de Guerrero, located in the Mexican state of Puebla, ordered the arrest of two Cuban doctors who had recently arrived to provide services at the community hospital in this rural area.
According to a video circulated by local media, the official "mistook" the doctors "for criminals" and, with the support of a police patrol, transported them to the Municipal Palace, where they were unjustifiably detained but later released.
"The doctors' performance has been very good," reported the whistleblower of the incident, lamenting the actions of the official—identified as María Luisa Suárez Reyes—whose behavior has been described as incomprehensible and arbitrary.
The detention of the doctors has caused concern among residents, who fear that the councilor's actions could jeopardize the continuity of healthcare services in the region.
"They are disappointed and scared," the whistleblower added, referring to the doctors. "Being treated in this manner is not right, especially since they are in a foreign country. It's even more reprehensible that it was the Health Councilor who carried out this action. It is clear that the councilor was unaware of their arrival."
The citizen who reported the incident expressed her concern for the doctors' well-being and criticized the councilor's lack of involvement in public health matters, urging her to visit the hospital, understand its needs, and improve her performance as a public servant.
The two Cuban doctors, whose identities have not been disclosed, are part of a contingent of 2,700 Cuban specialists sent by the federal government as part of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's (AMLO) initiative to address the needs of 282 hospitals in rural and marginalized areas.
Increasing Cuban Medical Mission in Mexico
Amid the severe crisis in public healthcare services in Cuba, these 2,700 doctors left their positions on the island to join nearly 1,000 other Cuban professionals already working in Mexico.
While the shortage of doctors in Cuban hospitals grows, the Miguel Díaz-Canel government is increasing the export of qualified medical personnel to Mexico and other countries as much as possible.
In many of these countries, Cuban doctors face hostility from local healthcare professionals who view them as competition or unqualified, as well as from health officials, as seen in this case.
Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her intention to continue hiring doctors from Cuba, despite strong criticisms labeling the program as a way to fund the Cuban dictatorial regime.
Sheinbaum revealed in early July that during a meeting with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, they discussed the possibility of continuing to bring Cuban doctors to Mexico, at least during her administration's first year.
Meanwhile, voices in Mexico continue to question the government's decision to hire Cuban professionals without considering the equivalency of their studies.
FAQs on the Arrest of Cuban Doctors in Mexico
In light of the recent arrest of Cuban doctors in Mexico, several pressing questions have emerged. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why were the Cuban doctors arrested in Ayotoxco de Guerrero?
The Cuban doctors were mistakenly arrested by the Health Councilor, who confused them with criminals. They were unjustifiably detained but later released.
Who ordered the arrest of the Cuban doctors?
The arrest was ordered by María Luisa Suárez Reyes, the Health Councilor in Ayotoxco de Guerrero.
What is the purpose of the Cuban medical mission in Mexico?
The Cuban medical mission aims to address healthcare needs in rural and marginalized areas of Mexico, as part of an initiative by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.