Dominica to revise Cuban medical programme amid US criticism

The Government of Dominica says it will soon announce changes to its long-standing Cuban medical workers programme, while reaffirming its gratitude for Havana’s decades of support to the island’s health sector.

The disclosure comes amid heightened criticism from the United States Embassy in Barbados, which last month described Cuba’s overseas “medical missions” as a system rooted in “coercion and abuse.”

In a statement, the embassy alleged that Cuban medical workers face withheld wages, confiscated passports, forced family separation, restrictions on movement, intimidation, excessive working hours and unsafe conditions. It also accused the Cuban government of profiting from the programme.

Washington has intensified its criticism of the health brigade initiative, arguing that Havana “rents out” medical professionals at high cost while retaining the bulk of the earnings.

Speaking in Parliament, Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Vince Henderson, acknowledged that adjustments are forthcoming.

“We recognise that we have to make some changes to the medical workers programme and we are grateful that the Government of Cuba has graciously agreed to work with us as we seek to meet new requirements for the Cuban health workers,” he said.

Henderson underscored the island’s longstanding ties with Cuba, noting that the partnership spans more than 30 years.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank the Republic of Cuba for over 30 years of support to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica through the provision of medical workers,” he told legislators.

According to Henderson, there are currently about 65 Cuban medical personnel serving in Dominica, including physicians, specialists, nurses and technicians.

He also highlighted Cuba’s role in training Dominican nationals who later returned home after graduating from Cuban medical schools, as well as Havana’s assistance in establishing the country’s first intensive care unit and diagnostic centre.

“We will always be grateful to the Republic of Cuba; they have been true friends through thick and thin,” Henderson said, adding that support continued even during periods when Cuba faced its own resource constraints.

The government has not yet detailed the specific changes planned for the programme but indicated that further announcements will be made soon.