In a recent interview, Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuban doctors participating in international missions continue to receive their full salary from Cuba during their time abroad. He defended the system against accusations of exploitation, stating that it ensures financial security for the medical personnel.
During the discussion with Pablo Iglesias, the Cuban leader mentioned that many of these healthcare workers are also granted an "additional compensation" based on their mission performance. Díaz-Canel elaborated that there are multiple frameworks for these medical missions.
He highlighted that in some instances, Cuba sends medical teams to countries "free of charge," with the stipulation that the host country supports the basic needs of the deployed staff. In other scenarios, the financial arrangements depend on the contracting government's capacity to pay for the services.
In this context, the president emphasized that "all Cubans engaged in the medical mission continue to receive their salary while they are fulfilling their duties abroad." This portrayal aims to present the program as one that safeguards the financial stability of professionals during their international assignments.
Is There No Exploitation?
Díaz-Canel further explained that in "many medical mission contracts," participants receive an additional "honorarium or redistribution." This extra income supplements what they would earn if they were working in Cuba, ensuring they have "salary security," he reiterated.
Based on this reasoning, he vehemently dismissed claims of exploitation concerning the medical missions, asserting that the involvement of doctors and other healthcare workers is based on voluntary choice.
The Cuban leader also acknowledged that for some agreements, the Cuban government or the Ministry of Public Health receives payment for services rendered overseas. However, he refuted allegations that these funds are used to benefit a political or economic elite. "What is this money used for? To enrich an elite?" he questioned, before clarifying that the funds are allocated to sustain the national health system.
The Role of Medical Missions in Cuba's Health System
Díaz-Canel argued that these revenues are crucial for maintaining Cuba's healthcare infrastructure, which he described as having advanced technology, a well-coordinated system of primary, secondary, and tertiary care, universal coverage, and support for high-level scientific research, despite Cuba being "a poor country."
He labeled as "falsehoods" the allegations equating the medical missions to forms of slavery, human trafficking, or labor exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Medical Missions
Do Cuban doctors on international missions receive full pay?
Yes, according to Díaz-Canel, Cuban doctors continue to receive their full salary from Cuba while they are on international assignments.
Is there additional compensation for Cuban doctors abroad?
Díaz-Canel claims that many doctors receive additional compensation related to their mission performance, which supplements their regular salary.
How does Cuba utilize the money received from international medical services?
The funds are reportedly used to support the national health system, rather than enriching a political or economic elite.