The General Council of Official Medical Colleges (CGCOM) of Spain is assessing the possibility of allowing Cuban doctors to practice in the Iberian country, despite the fact that the Cuban regime denies them the certificate of non-disqualification that permits them to work in that nation.
According to a note from The Objective, the Council is considering, as an exceptional measure, allowing Cuban doctors to submit a sworn statement and a criminal record certificate until the situation "is resolved."
Tomás Cobo, president of the CGCOM, stated to that outlet that secretaries from the various medical associations are evaluating options for doctors on the Island to practice.
"We are exploring different alternatives, such as the sworn declaration accompanied by a criminal background certificate. Our legal advisory team is reviewing this to provide a response as quickly as possible (...) We are going to assist any fellow doctor, regardless of where they come from, but we need to ensure that they are indeed a doctor and have an ethical credential," he commented.
Despite the fact that there are around 3,000 Cuban doctors in Spain with validated degrees, they cannot practice their profession due to the requirement of a non-disqualification certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba.
The regime justifies not issuing the document by claiming that the individual has not completed the mandatory social service, has fled from "medical missions," or has refused to return to the country.
Last year, the esteemed Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) decided to allow the registration of Cuban doctors without the need to present a certificate of non-disqualification. This measure represented a crucial step forward for physicians wishing to practice in Madrid.
In the process of becoming physicians in Spain, Cubans face a series of complex obstacles.
The recognition of medical degrees from Cuba in Spain can take years, despite the law establishing a maximum of six months to resolve the applications. This year, the issue gained notoriety after associations of Cuban doctors reported irregularities in the process and organized protests in front of the Congress of Deputies in Madrid.
In September, the Health Counselor of the Community of Madrid, Fátima Matute, called on the Spanish government to expedite the homologation processes, emphasizing that the shortage of medical professionals severely impacts the healthcare system. She explained that Cuban doctors have a solid and consistent training, so the processes should be faster. However, many of them face long waits that force them to work in jobs unrelated to their profession.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Doctors in Spain and the Regime's Blockade
Why does the Cuban regime deny the certificate of non-disqualification to emigrated doctors?
The Cuban regime denies the certificate of non-disqualification to emigrated doctors as a form of punishment for leaving the country without authorization or for failing to fulfill the mandatory social service. This policy aims to exert pressure on doctors to prevent them from leaving the state health system, as healthcare professionals are a significant source of income for the Cuban government.
What solutions are being considered in Spain to allow Cuban doctors to practice?
The General Council of Official Medical Colleges of Spain is considering allowing Cuban doctors to present a sworn statement and a criminal record certificate instead of a non-disqualification certificate. This measure aims to facilitate the ability of accredited Cuban doctors to work in Spain, despite the obstacles imposed by the Cuban regime.
How long can the recognition of Cuban medical degrees take in Spain?
Despite the fact that Spanish law establishes a maximum of six months to resolve accreditation files, in practice, the process can extend for years. Delays are attributed to irregularities in the process, which has led Cuban doctors to protest and report the situation in front of the Congress of Deputies in Madrid.
How does the lack of qualifications affect Cuban doctors in Spain?
Without the certificate of non-disqualification, many Cuban doctors accredited in Spain cannot practice their profession and are forced to work in jobs unrelated to their training. This represents a waste of talent and an economic loss for the professionals, who face unemployment or insecure working conditions.
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