Cuban-trained doctors join long queue of concerned medics

South African medical students who studied in Cuba have expressed concern about the unemployment crisis facing young medical doctors in the country.

The more than 100 recently qualified medical doctors, who graduated from the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme, celebrated their achievements at Wits University yesterday.

Since 1996, the programme has provided medical training to thousands of young South African doctors in Cuba.

However, the newly trained doctors say they’re discouraged by the country’s unemployment woes, with some considering job opportunities abroad.

According to the SA Medical Association Trade Union, around 800 qualified doctors in the country are still seeking employment.

In February, the Department of Health faced criticism for employing over 100 Cuban medical doctors through the programme, sparking accusations of favouring foreign talent over local doctors.

Bridget Hlatshwayo, a Medicine and Surgery graduate who spent six years studying in Cuba, told YNews that she fears not finding permanent employment in spite of her hard work.

However, she says she’s grateful to be back in South Africa and eager to serve her community through her internship and community service.

Hlatshwayo further emphasised the importance of preventative healthcare, which she says, she learnt while studying abroad.

She stressed that investing in preventive measures, rather than just treatment, is what’s needed for a healthier society. Written by Naomi Kobbie