Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, has made it clear that his administration will not terminate the Cuban Health Program, despite rising international criticism and sanctions spearheaded by Washington.
“Abandoning the Cuban health initiative would be catastrophic,” Skerrit stated during a New Year's interview with local journalists, as reported by the Dominican outlet Dominica News Online.
The Prime Minister highlighted that in the country's intensive care unit, nine out of eleven doctors and nurses are Cuban. This statistic underscores how heavily Dominica relies on healthcare professionals dispatched by the Cuban regime to maintain vital services.
These comments from Skerrit come amid intense global scrutiny. The Cuban medical program has been accused of engaging in forced labor practices, prompting investigations by the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
In addition, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on officials linked to these missions as part of its efforts to curb what it sees as an exploitative scheme.
Nonetheless, Skerrit defended the continuation of the agreement with Cuba, describing the island nation as a “steadfast ally” of Dominica. He acknowledged that his government is engaged in discussions with both Washington and Havana to make adjustments to the program in response to raised concerns, but he emphasized that dispensing with Cuban medical staff is not a feasible option.
“There might be a different configuration, a new structure, but we cannot do without doctors and nurses trained in Cuba,” the Prime Minister insisted, highlighting that no other country has offered a viable alternative to fill this gap.
Skerrit recalled that decades ago, Dominica received healthcare professionals from countries like Nigeria and India, but he explained that these sources have gradually diminished. Many of those doctors have been recruited by major powers such as the United Kingdom or Middle Eastern countries, leaving small Caribbean nations with limited options.
Understanding Dominica's Health Care Dependency on Cuba
Why does Dominica rely heavily on Cuban medical staff?
Dominica relies on Cuban medical staff due to the lack of alternatives and the significant number of healthcare professionals from Cuba who support essential services in the country. The island's small size and limited resources make it challenging to recruit medical professionals from other nations.
What are the international criticisms regarding the Cuban Health Program?
International criticisms of the Cuban Health Program focus on allegations of forced labor practices and exploitation. These concerns have led to investigations by organizations like the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
How has the United States responded to the Cuban Health Program?
The United States has reacted by imposing visa restrictions on officials associated with the Cuban medical missions, aiming to halt what it perceives as an exploitative arrangement.