The Cuban doctor Yadira, 36 years old, shared her migration story in a TikTok video, marked by economic necessity, the desire for a better future for her children, and the decision to break away from the system that, she said, keeps doctors at the bottom of the social pyramid in Cuba.
"I preferred to start from scratch and face an uncertain future rather than stay in Cuba, where a certain death awaited us, filled with anguish, helplessness, hunger, and need," he stated.
Her first step was to go on a medical mission with her husband. After completing the contract, they returned to Cuba, bought a house, and had their second child. However, they had to wait two years for the authorities to allow them to travel again, during which time they applied for a travel permit every month, all of which were systematically denied.
With the authorization in hand, they departed for Africa to work as independent doctors. For two years, they lived in a country that, they claim, is not suitable for raising children due to issues such as diseases, insecurity, and inadequate education.
With the money they had saved, they embarked on a new chapter: emigrating to Spain with their two children. They arrived aware that it would be difficult to find work in their profession and were prepared to take on any job, from washing dishes to caring for the elderly.
"We continue to move forward; nothing compares to walking the streets without fear, going to the supermarket alone, providing education and health for my children, or being able to dress however I want," emphasized Yadira, who faces this stage with faith and optimism.
Frequently asked questions about the migration of Cuban doctors to Spain
Why do Cuban doctors decide to emigrate to Spain?
Cuban doctors are emigrating to Spain in search of better living and working conditions. In Cuba, they face economic difficulties, precariousness in their professional environment, and limitations in providing a better future for their children. Many of them prefer to confront the uncertainty of starting over in another country rather than continue in a system that they feel marginalizes them socially.
What are the main challenges for Cuban doctors upon arriving in Spain?
One of the biggest challenges is the recognition of their Medical degree, a process that can take years due to bureaucracy. Additionally, they must adapt to a new healthcare system and face the possibility of working in jobs unrelated to their profession while waiting for the recognition. The process also carries an emotional toll as they leave behind family and friends in Cuba.
How does the emigration of Cuban doctors affect the healthcare system on the island?
The departure of healthcare professionals exacerbates the shortage of human resources in the Cuban health system, which already faces multiple challenges, including a lack of medications and medical equipment. This brain drain weakens the system's ability to serve the population and maintain the quality of health services.
What opportunities do Cuban doctors have once they validate their degrees in Spain?
Once their degree is validated, Cuban doctors can work in various areas of the Spanish healthcare system, such as family medicine, emergency services, mutuals, and residences. Although the MIR is not mandatory, completing it can provide them with more professional options, such as specializing in a specific medical area.
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