Cuba send 53 Doctors to Kenya as a part of medical exchange programme

Cuba: Fifty-three Cuban Doctors arrives in Kenya as part of a medical exchange programme. Ambassador of Cuba to Kenya – Ernesto Gómez Díaz, stated that this group would begin working ahead of the arrival of another.

Gómez Díaz cited, “A further fifteen – 15 are likely to arrive soon. Our doctors are glad to work in Kenya.” Kenya has asked for 101 specialists, but Cuba could only offer 68 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the Health Ministry of Cuba has stated that the doctors were sent to Kenya after the Council of Governors made a request.

Both the nations, earlier in the month of June, signed a new cooperation agreement when Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe visited that country in June.

CS Kagwe stated that the government is looking for improved cooperation between Cuban and Kenyan institutions, such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), in an effort to bridge knowledge gaps through medical research.

He further cited that, “The relationship between Kenya and Cuba can only get better & deeper as we have an institutional framework which goes beyond individual involvement. Having seen the management of Cuba, both the nations have a lot to share and learn from each other.”

About the safety of the Cuban doctors, CS Kagwe noted that the Kenyan government is committed to making sure the return of doctors Assel Herrera and Landy Rodriguez, who were kidnapped by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists two years ago.

The Cuban health ministry further highlighted that the government has been working to strengthen the primary healthcare system of Kenya as a catalyst to achieving universal healthcare.

Cuban doctors who served earlier were offered furnished homes, airfare for holidays, paid utilities and transport, on top of their salaries, in a deal agreed with governors. It is not clear yet whether this cohort would enjoy the same perks.