Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez from Florida has formally requested President Donald Trump to rescind the immunity granted to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) due to their alleged involvement in the trafficking and exploitation of over 10,000 Cuban doctors sent to Brazil as part of the Mais Médicos program. In a letter addressed to the White House, Giménez expressed gratitude to Trump for his support of the Cuban-American community and accused PAHO of facilitating a financial scheme he described as "human trafficking and forced labor."
According to Giménez, the Cuban regime confiscated the majority of the medical professionals' salaries, withheld their travel documents, and kept them under surveillance through this arrangement. "Today, I urged President @POTUS to revoke PAHO's immunity for its role in trafficking and exploiting more than 10,000 Cuban doctors while pocketing U.S. dollars. I look forward to collaborating closely with the Trump Administration to hold the Castro regime and its accomplices accountable," emphasizes the letter. It highlights that "between 2013 and 2018, PAHO funneled more than $2.3 billion from Brazil to the Cuban regime, keeping at least $129 million for itself."
The Washington-based organization has reportedly invoked diplomatic immunity to dodge U.S. justice and has allegedly disregarded court orders and investigation commitments. Giménez asked Trump to issue an executive order to restrict PAHO's immunity under the International Organizations Immunities Act (IOIA), but solely concerning the Mais Médicos program, allowing victims to pursue lawsuits in U.S. courts. "This action would not disrupt legitimate public health operations but would ensure that trafficked Cuban doctors can seek justice," he clarified.
This request from Giménez comes just days after the U.S. Department of State warned it would continue taking action against Cuban, Brazilian officials, and former PAHO executives linked to this program, labeling it a "diplomatic scam" and labor exploitation scheme. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced visa restrictions and immigration penalties against those who facilitated this system, while Havana remains adamant about continuing to send medical brigades abroad, which serve as a major revenue source.
In response, the Havana regime has harshly criticized Giménez and Cuban-American congress members in the U.S., accusing them of annexationist intentions and defending its so-called medical missions in third countries. These missions have come under scrutiny as the regime has failed to provide documents or evidence regarding the contentious contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Doctor Trafficking Controversy
What is the Mais Médicos program?
The Mais Médicos program was a Brazilian government initiative designed to bring doctors to underserved areas. It involved the recruitment of Cuban doctors, which has since been criticized for exploitation and poor working conditions.
Why is the Pan American Health Organization involved?
PAHO is accused of acting as a financial intermediary in the scheme, transferring significant funds from Brazil to Cuba and allegedly profiting from the arrangement.
What are the implications of revoking PAHO's immunity?
Revoking immunity could allow victims to seek legal redress in U.S. courts, potentially leading to accountability for those involved in the trafficking scheme.