More Cuban medical personnel arrive

Barbados’ healthcare sector has received another injection of specialised medical personnel with the arrival of a 70-member Cuban team on Tuesday.

Four Intensive Care Unit (ICU) trained doctors, four lab technologists, and 62 specialty nurses arrived on the island on a chartered flight just after 3 p.m.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Dr Sonia Browne joined Cuban Ambassador to Barbados Sergio Pastrana and other officials, at the Grantley Adams International Airport, to welcome the team.

Dr Browne said that the Barbados appreciated the presence of the healthcare workers, considering that COVID-19 has shown there was a significant need for additional specialised personnel.

“We are grateful. It is needed in Barbados, at least for now, until we can build out our own supply. But for the next few years probably, we would indeed need the help from other sources.

“Their remit is not really to train, but that comes with the job anyhow because you tend to pick up as people come. But their remit is not to train, but to add to the workforce.

“The Ministry of Health is looking at other areas where we can expand the training for nurses abroad. There are groups that have been funding nurses to be trained in specialties overseas as we speak, and we are expecting a couple more to finish their course of study soon,” Dr Browne said.

Last week, 126 medical personnel who formed part of Cuba’s Henry Reeve Brigade medical team that came to the island to assist with the COVID-19 fight, returned to their homeland after completing a two-year stint.

In delivering remarks, Pastrana gave the assurance that the visiting medical team was equipped with well-trained practitioners who are ready to serve where ever they are placed.

During the welcome proceedings, the ambassador reminded the audience that 2022, marks 50 years since Barbados and Cuba began diplomatic relations. Pastrana said the two countries have also managed to maintain a longstanding relationship in sports.

“But there are a number of issues that we have been discussing in different aspects of the economy and research and of course there are evident interests in things like pharmaceuticals or agriculture.

“There are many. So we are opened to increased cooperation. We believe that between the Caribbean countries we must strengthen the capabilities to face the different challenges that are cornering us from every angle. The pandemic has showed that we have much more opportunities for cooperation,” Pastrana said. (AH)