Cuban physicians desert in fear of Chávez's electoral defeat

WELFARE | Some 31,777 physicians were in Venezuela early in February

Cuban physicians desert in fear of Chávez's electoral defeat

Since May, 80 Cuban doctors have deserted Venezuela, revealed sources
close to health program Misión Barrio Adentro
In 2011, at least 700 Cuban physicians around the world abandoned the
missions provided for under the agreements between the communist Cuban
Government and other with 66 countries (Photo: Rony Vargas)
FRANK LÓPEZ BALLESTEROS | EL UNIVERSAL
Monday October 01, 2012 12:33 PM
Cuban officials coordinating Venezuelan health program "Misión Barrio
Adentro" are worried about the numerous desertions taking place in
Venezuela. It is believed that as many as 80 Cuban physicians have left
the country on a monthly basis over the last 90 days, ahead of October 7
presidential election. Furthermore, the exodus may exceed the figure
recorded in 2011 (500 doctors).

"Some 22 physicians, including me, deserted the program in different
parts of the country in just one week in May (...) It has been at least
80 people per month," commented Yumar Gómez, a Cuban physician who is
now in Miami.

In 2011, at least 700 Cuban physicians around the world abandoned the
missions provided for under the agreements between the communist Cuban
Government and other 66 countries. As many as 500 of those physicians
were in Venezuela, cited "Barrio Afuera," an organization that supports
Cuban physicians seeking to leave "Barrio Adentro."

"Many believe things are not alright. Some have left because they
believe that President Chávez is far from winning the election and his
defeat is imminent. Let me tell you this... many do not want to return
to Cuba," Gómez asserted.

Early in February President Chávez said that there are 44,804 Cubans
working in seven social programs (commonly known as missions) since 2003.

Nevertheless, on October 22, 2010, in an unusual press conference, Cuban
Ambassador to Venezuela Rogelio Polanco said that there were "40,000
people cooperating, 30,000 of which are serving as doctors." Thus, 4,804
(12%) additional people arrived in the country in two years.

TWITTER: @FRANCHUTERIAS


http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/121001/cuban-physicians-desert-in-fear-of-chavezs-electoral-defeat