Coronavirus: first return of Cuban doctors called in for reinforcement in Italy

Cuban doctors pose in front of the portrait of Fidel Castro before their departure for Italy, March 21, 2020. Yamil LAGE / AFP

Text by: Domitille Piron

This Monday, June 8, 52 health professionals sent to Italy to fight against the Covid-19 return to Cuba. A return celebrated with great pomp. But these medical missions have also been the subject of numerous criticisms, in particular on their cost, the amount of which is however unknown. What is certain is that this coronavirus crisis has enabled Cuba to restore its image.

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From our correspondent in Havana,

From Milan to Havana, after two months at the Crema hospital, 36 doctors and 15 nurses return on Monday with "the feeling of duty accomplished" and the thanks of the Italian authorities.

Thanks and a check, the amount of which is unknown. But the cost has been criticized by doctors in Italy and South Africa where Cuba has also sent a medical brigade.

A total of 1,800 Cuban health professionals have helped 27 countries in the fight against coronavirus. A humanist gesture according to the government, an inflow of foreign currency too.

But according to economist Ricardo Torres, these missions will not compensate for the financial losses caused by the crisis in Cuba.

How much Cuba will receive for the dispatch of these brigades, which are part of a special contingent which acts in the event of emergency and disasters," he wonders. Honestly, I don't think it's profitable. That will cover expenses of course, but that it does generate net cash for the country, I don't think. Afterwards, there is speculation because there is no public information about it, but what is certain is that it is free marketing and very beneficial for the medical industry of the island. "

The Cuban Minister of Health clarified last week, in the face of criticism and "  discrediting campaigns  ", according to him, that 61,237 patients worldwide with coronavirus were treated by Cuban doctors and nurses.

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  • Cuba
  • Italy
  • Coronavirus
  • Health and Medicine

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