How Cuba Trains Thousands of Doctors and Sends Them Worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised this small nation’s exceptional healthcare system, which not only developed five vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic but also sent doctors to several countries.

Known for producing thousands of skilled medical professionals every year, Cuba has been recognized by the WHO as a model that other countries can learn from.

What Sets Cuba’s Healthcare System Apart

Cuba’s healthcare system is considered one of the strongest globally, serving a population of 11.5 million. Several key features make it stand out:

• Medical Education

Medical education in Cuba is entirely government-funded. The state invests heavily in providing students with the best facilities. With no private medical colleges, all deserving students are given equal access regardless of financial background. Admissions are based on entrance exams and high school marks. Special quotas are also reserved for rural students, and many international students from Latin America come to study here.

• Practical Training

Practical training begins early in the curriculum, with students gaining hands-on experience in both primary care facilities and community health centres. The “Family Doctor Program” assigns each student to a specific community, helping improve clinical skills and build strong doctor-patient relationships.

• Doctor-Patient Ratio

Cuba has one of the best doctor-patient ratios in the world, with one doctor for every 155 people, surpassing even Italy and the United States.

• Medical Expertise

Cuban doctors are known for their expertise in vaccine development, biotechnology, and epidemic response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they developed their own vaccines—Soberana and Abdala—demonstrating their strength in research and public health.

These efforts have made Cuba a global training hub for medical professionals since 1998, with doctors from over 123 countries having studied there. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon once praised Cuba’s ELAM medical school as one of the most modern in the world.

Doctors Cuba Sends Around the World

Cuba has 13 medical institutions that produce between 60,000 to 70,000 doctors each year. Many international students come from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and even India.

Cuban doctors receive a fixed government salary, twice the national minimum wage. When posted abroad, they are also paid separately by the countries they serve in.

Despite their high skills, Cuban doctors face financial challenges. As a result, sending doctors abroad has become essential for Cuba’s economy.

Balancing Service and Economic Support

After Venezuela’s political shift in 1998, the two nations established a cooperative exchange: Cuba sends doctors and sports trainers, and Venezuela provides oil and financial aid. Around 21,700 Cuban doctors are currently working there.

Countries like Algeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Brazil also benefit from Cuban medical assistance. In Brazil, doctors receive an additional ₹75,000 per month from the government.

In total, over 70,000 Cuban doctors are serving across 60 countries, especially in disaster-stricken or underserved areas. However, they often lack support from local medical communities in the countries they are posted to.

Cuba’s Legacy of Medical Aid

Cuba’s tradition of medical philanthropy goes back decades:

• In 2004, the Operation Miracle campaign provided eye treatments and surgeries to 3.5 lakh Latin American patients who couldn’t afford care.

• During the Ebola outbreak in Africa, 165 Cuban doctors arrived quickly with essential supplies.

• In Haiti’s devastating floods, Cuban medical teams were among the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Cuba’s Global Medical Footprint

Cuba’s healthcare model stands out not just for its quality, but also for its reach. From training thousands of doctors every year to supporting other countries during global health emergencies, Cuba has built a legacy that blends medical education with humanitarian service. Despite financial challenges, the country continues to strengthen its role as a global leader in public health.

(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)