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The arrival of Cuban doctors in San Luis Potosí (Mexico) has raised concerns among academic authorities and students at the Faculty of Medicine, as their presence has affected the allocation of spaces designated for the social service of future health professionals.
This was stated to potosinoticias.com by the director of the Faculty of Medicine, Ismael Francisco Herrera Benavente, who expressed his concern both for the impact on students and for the quality of service provided by Cuban specialists.
Herrera Benavente explained that graduates from the Faculty must undergo rigorous certification processes, evaluations, and specialty exams in order to practice within the Mexican health system, and expressed concerns about the training and accreditation of Cuban doctors. Furthermore, he noted that the presence of these practitioners in San Luis Potosí has led to a reduction in opportunities for interns and those in community service, who traditionally occupied these positions as part of their professional training.
In light of this situation, the Faculty of Medicine has had to seek alternatives and expand the available clinical fields to ensure that students continue to receive the same quality of education and practical experience.
Medical collaboration between Cuba and Mexico has intensified in recent years. In July 2024, the Mexican government announced the arrival of 2,700 Cuban doctors, who would join the 950 already present in 23 states of the country, raising the total to 3,650 health professionals from the island.
This initiative is part of the IMSS-Bienestar program, which aims to improve medical care in rural and marginalized areas of Mexico. However, the hiring of Cuban doctors has generated criticism due to the healthcare personnel crisis that Cuba is facing, where the lack of doctors and resources severely impacts the local population.
The Mexican government has paid over 24 million dollars to the Cuban regime for the services of these professionals over a period of two years. This agreement has been the subject of controversy, as some see it as a way to finance the Cuban government through the export of medical services.
In the specific case of San Luis Potosí, Governor Ricardo Gallardo announced in July 2024 the rehabilitation of two hospitals to accommodate 80 additional Cuban doctors, aiming to enhance healthcare in the region, particularly in areas like Huasteca and the municipality of Rioverde.
This agreement sparked a debate about its impact on training professionals and the quality of care provided in the state. It is important to highlight that, while Mexico is increasing the hiring of Cuban doctors, Cuba is facing a significant loss of healthcare personnel. In 2023, more than 13,300 doctors from the island were reported to have left, which represents a severe blow to its already precarious healthcare system.
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