Dr. Lucio Enríquez Nodarse, a prominent physician and human rights advocate, has called on Senator Marco Rubio to reinstate the Parole Program for Cuban healthcare professionals. He argues that this is "the only truly effective measure" to shield them from systematic exploitation in the so-called international medical missions orchestrated by the Havana regime.
In a Facebook letter addressed to Rubio, Dr. Enríquez praised the senator's efforts in highlighting these exploitative practices. He also warned about the persistent mechanisms of control and exploitation over Cuban doctors.
Among the examples mentioned in the letter is the recent directive mandating direct payment to Cuban medical collaborators in Bahamas. The doctor pointed out that similar measures have been implemented in other countries without achieving genuine change.
"After receiving direct payments, the Cuban dictatorship forces doctors to transfer a significant portion of their income to accounts managed by the regime itself. Those who refuse face expulsion from the mission," Enríquez explained.
He further condemned the immediate reprisals faced by those who either abandon these missions or are expelled. Such individuals often find themselves barred from practicing in the host country due to pressure from the Cuban government on local authorities.
Given these circumstances, Dr. Enríquez believes that the only viable protection is the reactivation of the Parole Program, which was suspended during the Obama administration. This program once offered a legal pathway to the United States for Cuban doctors who defected while on missions in third countries.
"Reinstating this program would grant many professionals genuine liberation from the chains of slavery," Enríquez emphasized in his plea.
The Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program was initially established by the U.S. government in 2006 but was discontinued in 2017. Several human rights organizations have since advocated for its reinstatement, citing allegations that Cuban medical missions represent a modern form of concealed labor trafficking.
Understanding the Situation of Cuban Medical Professionals
What is the Cuban Medical Parole Program?
The Cuban Medical Parole Program was a U.S. initiative launched in 2006 that provided a legal pathway for Cuban doctors to enter the United States if they defected while serving on international medical missions.
Why is the program considered effective?
The program is seen as effective because it offered Cuban medical professionals a way to escape the oppressive conditions and exploitation associated with the missions organized by the Cuban government.
What are the risks faced by Cuban doctors on missions?
Cuban doctors often face exploitation, coercion to surrender a large part of their earnings, and retaliation if they attempt to leave the missions, including being blacklisted from practicing in host countries.