Cuba to continue medical program in Brazil despite political turmoil

Cuba's Ministry of Health said Tuesday night it will continue its medical program with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Brazil despite the recent political turmoil in the Southern American nation that led to the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff.

In an official press release, the health ministry said that over 4,000 Cuban doctors will continue to provide medical services as long as Brazil's political authorities continue to provide "guarantees."

"Cuba is committed to its solidarity principles that have always guided its cooperation all over the world and will continue to provide the Brazilian people with free medical attention," said the statement.

The agreement signed in 2013 between Havana and Brasilia was due to expire and a government envoy met in May with then President Rousseff and her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, about its continuity.

"Dilma (Rousseff) considered the medical program should continue because it had become a heritage of the people of Brazil," it said.

The former Brazilian head of state considered the program an "example" of the generosity of the Cuban government and its people.

"Lula, meanwhile, said the program was rooted in the culture of Brazil and should continue," added the statement.

At the request of Rousseff and with the participation of the PAHO, Cuba has cooperated with Brazil in this massive medical program since 2013.

During the last three years, over 11,000 Cuban doctors have participated in the program, reaching 3,356 municipalities in Brazil, around 83 percent of the population.

"Our doctors and nurses have been present in two thirds of that nation, benefiting around 40 million Brazilians, particularly those families with less income," said the statement.

Cuba currently has medical cooperation with 76 nations and over 38,000 doctors and nurses have participated in these programs.