Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has clarified that the withdrawal of the Cuban Medical Brigade from Guyana earlier this year was a decision made by the Cuban authorities and not the Government of Guyana.
Speaking on the issue on Monday, Dr. Anthony explained that Cuba chose to terminate the presence of its medical workers in Guyana in February, bringing the longstanding arrangement to an end.
“First of all, with Cuban doctors, we have been engaging the Cuban authorities, and they chose to terminate or withdraw the Cuban doctors who were here,” the Health Minister said.
He noted that the Government of Guyana did not end the programme, noting that the Cuban medical professionals were withdrawn by their own government.
“The Cubans have withdrawn their medical workers who were here, and so the whole thing came to an end,” he stated.
Despite the withdrawal, Dr. Anthony said Guyana remains open to employing Cuban healthcare workers who wish to remain in the country, provided they meet the necessary professional requirements.
According to the Minister, doctors, nurses, and technicians from Cuba who wish to continue working in Guyana can do so once they are properly qualified and certified by the relevant local authorities, including the Medical Council and Nursing Council.
“Once they’re properly qualified and certified… then we’d be able to offer them a job. Quite a number of persons have come and we’ve offered them that job, so they’re working in the public system,” he said.
Dr. Anthony noted that some members of the brigade have already opted to stay in Guyana and are employed within the public healthcare system.
The Minister also assured that the withdrawal of the Cuban Medical Brigade will not negatively affect Guyana’s healthcare services, citing ongoing investments in training and in expanding the local workforce.
He highlighted that several of the Cuban personnel were nurses and explained that the government has been increasing its training capacity to fill those gaps.
Three years ago, the government launched a registered nursing programme, and by June this year, approximately 800 new nurses are expected to graduate and enter the healthcare system.
“We have been expanding our healthcare system and expanding training. Through our training programme, we are compensating for those that would have been withdrawn,” Dr. Anthony said.
His comments come amid public concern following a move by a three-member delegation of citizens who recently delivered a letter to the Office of the President urging the government to reverse what they believed was a decision to end the services of the Cuban Medical Brigade and to resist any external pressure affecting Guyana’s longstanding cooperation with Cuba.
Guyana and Cuba have maintained close bilateral relations for decades, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education.
