The Cuban government has expressed discontent following the departure of Cuban doctors from Honduras, where they had been providing medical services. The response came from Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who labeled the action as a "crime" for depriving a nation of its legitimate revenue sources.
His statement was shared on the social media platform X, directly responding to a Bloomberg report that highlighted Honduras as the latest country to stop employing Cuban medical workers. This move aligns with efforts by Washington to cut off financial support to Havana's government.
"‘Choke’ is the appropriate term," the diplomat remarked, referencing the language used by the American media outlet. He further stated, "Denying a country quality medical services is a crime. Depriving another of legitimate income sources is collective punishment, also a crime."
The message not only defended the healthcare work of these brigades but also shed light on the economic significance of exporting medical services, which has been the main source of foreign currency for the Cuban regime in recent years.
The official reaction followed the Honduran government's decision not to renew an agreement that allowed 128 Cuban doctors to work in the country. The contract is set to expire next week, with the specialists scheduled to return to the island in early March, according to local authorities.
Tegucigalpa announced that Cuban professionals would be gradually replaced by accredited national or foreign doctors, a move described by Honduras' Secretary of Communications as part of a new foreign policy direction.
Honduras' decision aligns with similar actions taken by Guatemala and other nations in the region, collectively impacting a system that Havana has long touted as an example of international solidarity, yet simultaneously serves as a financial cornerstone for the Cuban state.
Bloomberg's report positioned Honduras' decision within a broader U.S. strategy aimed at limiting the Cuban government's revenue streams, noting that each terminated medical agreement diminishes the cash flow to the island.
Fernández de Cossío's response, condemning "collective punishment," places the issue within a political context, highlighting the regime's growing concern over losing foreign contracts amid one of Cuba's most severe economic crises in decades.
Impact of Medical Program Withdrawals on Cuba
Why did Honduras decide to end the Cuban medical program?
Honduras decided to end the Cuban medical program as part of a new foreign policy direction, aiming to gradually replace Cuban doctors with accredited national or foreign professionals.
How does the departure of Cuban doctors affect Cuba's economy?
The departure of Cuban doctors affects Cuba's economy by reducing one of its primary sources of foreign currency, as medical services have been a major revenue stream for the Cuban government.
What has been the U.S. role in influencing these decisions?
The U.S. has reportedly pressured countries to cut off financial support to the Cuban government, influencing decisions like Honduras' to end the Cuban medical program and reduce funding to Havana.