Mexico Says They Are Keeping Cuban Doctors

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum says her country will continue working with Cuban doctors, even as other nations across the Americas have ended similar agreements under pressure from the United States.

At her morning press briefing, Sheinbaum described the programme as a “bilateral agreement that helps Mexico a lot.” She reminded the public of the role Cuban medical brigades played during the COVID‑19 pandemic and in communities lacking basic health services.

The U.S. government has criticised Cuba’s practice of sending doctors abroad, calling it “forced labour” and “human trafficking”. Under President Donald Trump, Washington has sought to isolate Cuba by cutting off oil imports and pressuring countries to end medical missions. Nations such as Honduras, Jamaica, Guyana, and Costa Rica have already sent Cuban doctors home.

Sheinbaum defended Mexico’s position, saying the programme not only fills critical gaps in health care but also strengthens ties with Cuba, a country Mexico has historically supported. 

“It’s hard to get Mexican doctors and specialists to go out to many rural areas where we need medical specialists, and the Cubans are willing to work there,” she said.