The United States has intensified its efforts against the Cuban government by targeting international medical missions, a crucial source of foreign currency for the island amidst its severe economic downturn.
Over the past year, several nations in the Caribbean and Central America have scaled back or completely terminated their agreements with Havana, according to a report by EFE.
Bahamas has halted the hiring of Cuban doctors; Guyana ended the program earlier this month; and Guatemala is planning a gradual shutdown of the agreement by 2026.
Additionally, other countries are reassessing the terms of their contracts due to pressure from Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, criticized the program as a form of “forced labor schemes” with “abusive and coercive labor practices.” He announced the revocation of visas for Cuban and foreign officials involved in the recruitment of Cuban healthcare personnel, as reported by EFE.
These medical brigades, active for over 60 years, have deployed around 600,000 professionals to 165 countries, based on official statistics.
For host governments, they provide quick access to qualified healthcare workers, while for Havana, they represent one of the main sources of revenue alongside tourism and remittances.
The State Department believes that the export of professional services generates between $6 billion and $8 billion annually for Cuba.
However, NGOs like Prisoners Defenders allege that the Cuban government withholds up to 85% of the payments made by host countries and restricts the freedom of the doctors abroad, accusations that the Cuban government denies, as noted by EFE.
This U.S. initiative adds to the energy and financial constraints the island is currently facing, increasing uncertainty about the future of these programs in key nations such as Venezuela, where thousands of Cuban professionals continue to operate under bilateral agreements.
Impact of U.S. Measures on Cuban Medical Missions
Why is the U.S. targeting Cuban medical missions?
The U.S. views the Cuban medical missions as forms of forced labor with abusive and coercive practices, and aims to cut off a significant revenue source for the Cuban government.
How much revenue do these missions generate for Cuba?
The export of professional services, including medical missions, is estimated to generate between $6 billion and $8 billion annually for Cuba.
What are the primary accusations against the Cuban government regarding these missions?
NGOs claim that the Cuban government retains up to 85% of the payments made by host countries and restricts the freedom of the doctors abroad, which the Cuban government denies.