The two Cuban doctors arrested last Saturday in Ayotoxco de Guerrero, in the Mexican state of Puebla, by order of a health official, have been identified as Acelio José Sixto, a surgeon, and Willian Blet Rodríguez, an internist. A local media outlet detailed that around 9 am on August 31, both doctors were on a video call with their families when they were "detained by municipal police after a report considered them suspicious."
The doctors were stripped of their cell phones, and authorities conducted "a privacy check despite the doctors repeatedly identifying themselves," according to InfoSierra. The report did not specify how long the Cuban doctors were detained, although it was previously reported that they were released after clarifying their identities.
The incident highlights the authorities' complete lack of understanding regarding the situation at the Ayotoxco community hospital. According to a previously released video, the official "mistook" the doctors "for criminals" and, supported by a patrol, transported them to the Municipal Palace where they were unjustifiably held before being released.
Incident Sparks Outrage and Concern
"The doctors have been performing excellently," said the complainant of the incident, who lamented the actions of the official identified as María Luisa Suárez Reyes. Her behavior has been described as incomprehensible and arbitrary.
The detention of the doctors has caused concern among residents, who fear that the official's actions could jeopardize the continuity of health services in the region. "They are disappointed, they are scared," the complainant added, emphasizing that it is not right for the doctors to be treated this way.
"We understand they are in another country, and it is not correct for them to be treated like this. What is more reproachable in this case is that it is the health official herself committing this action. It is clear that she does not know them, nor is she aware that these doctors had arrived," she concluded.
The citizen who reported the incident expressed her concern for the doctors' well-being and criticized the official's lack of involvement in public health matters. She urged the official to visit the hospital, understand its needs, and improve her performance as a public servant.
The two Cuban doctors who were detained are part of a contingent of 2,700 Cuban specialists sent by the federal government as part of an initiative by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) to cover the needs of 282 hospitals in rural and highly marginalized areas.
Increasing Cuban Medical Mission in Mexico
Amid the severe crisis in public health services in Cuba, these 2,700 doctors left their posts on the island to join nearly 1,000 Cuban professionals already providing assistance in Mexican territory. While the shortage of doctors in Cuban hospitals grows, the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel 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 see them as competition or do not consider them qualified, as well as from health officials, as in this case. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president-elect, announced that she will continue hiring doctors from the island despite strong criticisms that label the program as a means of financing the Cuban dictatorial regime.
Sheinbaum revealed in early July that in a meeting with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, the possibility of continuing to bring Cuban doctors to Mexico was discussed, at least during the first year of her administration. Meanwhile, voices in Mexico continue to question the government's decision to hire Cuban professionals without considering the homologation of their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest of Cuban Doctors in Mexico
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent incident involving the detention of Cuban doctors in Mexico, the implications for public health services, and the political context.
Why were the Cuban doctors arrested in Mexico?
The Cuban doctors were arrested because a health official mistakenly identified them as suspicious individuals. They were detained by municipal police while on a video call with their families.
Who is responsible for the arrest of the Cuban doctors?
The arrest was ordered by María Luisa Suárez Reyes, a health official, who mistook the doctors for criminals and had them unjustifiably detained.
What is the Cuban medical mission in Mexico?
The Cuban medical mission in Mexico consists of 2,700 specialists sent by the Cuban government to help cover the needs of 282 hospitals in rural and marginalized areas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to export qualified Cuban medical personnel to other countries.
How has the Mexican government responded to the incident?
The Mexican government, through the statements of president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, has indicated that it will continue hiring Cuban doctors despite criticisms. There have been no specific responses addressing the incident of the mistaken arrest directly.