Medical Collaboration 1

Cuban Medical Collaborators Resume Activities in Hospitals in China

March 1, 2020

Translated and edited by Walter Lippmann for CubaNews.

Cuban health workers in China. Photo: Cuban Medical Cooperation in China/Facebook.

Ophthalmologists from Cuba’s Medical Brigade in China have been continuing their assistance activities in three hospitals in the country since Tuesday, with responsibility and the necessary protection in the midst of the emergency caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The mission, led by Dr. Yamira Palacios, confirmed that work was resumed after the suspensions adopted for security reasons, and as part of the national contingency plan implemented since late January.

She said in the social networks that the Cuban collaborators together with the Chinese health professionals are still linked despite the complex epidemiological situation in the country, with responsibility for their health care and protection to avoid exposure to the greatest risk.

The Brigade added that the priority is to prevent, maintain control and comply with the measures to confront the coronavirus.

This gesture is another sign of love, unity, solidarity and commitment,” she concluded.

The Cuban collaboration is developing with good results in ophthalmological centers installed in mixed hospitals in the provinces of Qinghai, Shanxi and Henan.

Official figures show that between 2012 and 2019 alone, more than 225,627 consultations and 13,546 surgeries were performed.

A couple of days ago, the Brigade reiterated its support and confidence in the efforts of the Chinese government to stop the Covid-19 in the shortest time possible. In addition, the Brigade to highlighted the discipline and compliance with the actions carried out by the health authorities of the Asian giant and those of the Cuban embassy here.

“To this day no Cuban in China has fallen ill. The result of hard teamwork. Counting on truthful and timely information without issuing a single opinion that was not supported by science, nor additional measures, without alarmism or collective panic,” he said.

She highlighted the reinforcement of the team with pediatric infectious disease doctor Ileana Alvarez and clinical infectious disease doctor Rafael Arocha. Both are recognized physicians of the Henry Reeve Contingent and whose incorporation was considered another sign of kindness and solidarity of the Cuban health system.

“We will continue on the path that will lead us to control this contagious and still unknown disease (…) that has filled the Chinese people with pain, sadness, and uncertainty,” he said.

Dr. Palacios, along with Alvarez and Arocha, are in charge of the medical post established in the Caribbean island’s embassy to reinforce health care for compatriots in China in the midst of the emergency due to the outbreak.

The team provides assistance and consultations, follows up on the current epidemiological situation, and also supports the preventive work that the diplomatic mission implemented in order to be more effective in guiding and protecting its fellow countrymen.

Cuban health workers in China. Photo: Cuban Medical Cooperation in China/Facebook.