Despite the sanctions imposed by the United States against Central American officials connected to the Cuban medical export program, Mexico remains steadfast in its healthcare collaboration with Havana. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the legitimacy of the program on Wednesday, through which millions of dollars have been directed to Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
"There is a contract for Cuban doctors to assist the Mexican population. We see no issue with that," Sheinbaum stated during a press conference. She dismissed Washington's allegations, which accuse the Cuban regime of using these medical agreements as a form of forced labor.
"Firstly, it's not forced labor. They would need to prove that. In Mexico's case, there's a contract with Cuba and other countries because during the neoliberal period, Mexico stopped training enough doctors," Sheinbaum remarked.
Sanctions Over "Medical Exploitation"
Sheinbaum's stance comes a day after the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on Central American officials involved in hiring Cuban "medical missions." While specific names and countries remain undisclosed, the statement emphasized that sanctions also extend to the families of those implicated.
"Access to a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. We are committed to combating human trafficking, including forced labor," declared Secretary of State Marco Rubio while announcing the measure. Rubio stressed that these missions "enrich the Cuban regime while depriving the people of Cuba of essential healthcare and exploiting the workers involved."
Medical Brigades: A Modern Form of Slavery
According to the State Department, Cuba's medical brigade export program is a modern form of labor slavery, subjecting professionals to strict controls, passport retention, and salary deductions by the Cuban government. Although praised in some communities for filling healthcare gaps, human rights organizations and various governments view them as political and economic tools of the regime.
The new U.S. sanctions send a strong message to other nations with close ties to Havana in strategic sectors like health and education.
FAQs on U.S. Sanctions and Cuban Medical Missions
Why is the U.S. imposing sanctions related to Cuban medical missions?
The U.S. is imposing sanctions because it views the Cuban medical missions as a form of forced labor that enriches the Cuban regime while exploiting the healthcare workers involved.
How does Mexico justify its contract with Cuban doctors?
Mexico defends its contract with Cuban doctors by emphasizing the healthcare support it provides to the Mexican population, especially in light of past shortages in trained medical professionals due to neoliberal policies.
What are the alleged conditions for Cuban doctors in these missions?
The alleged conditions include severe control over the doctors, retention of their passports, and deductions from their salaries, which are orchestrated by the Cuban government.