26 Cuban medics arrive

HEALTH MINISTER John Rahael yesterday welcomed 26 new Cuban medics  who arrived to take up duties in this country, and expressed confidence the doctors will help improve the level of health care provided. The group comprising 11 doctors and 15 nurses checked into the Hotel Normandie around 8 am, where they were greeted by some of their colleagues who arrived in TT last year. The arriving medics gave their fellow nationals letters from their families back in Cuba and updated them on  developments at home. In return, the first group of Cuban medics told the newcomers about their experiences in TT to date.

Rahael arrived at the Normandie around 9.30 am and spoke briefly with members of the first batch of Cuban medics. Officials said four more Cuban doctors were expected over the weekend with an additional 45 to arrive within the next few weeks. The arrival of this batch of Cuban medics means there are 105 Cuban medical personnel in TT (75 Cuban medics arrived in TT in 2003). The officials said the plan was to increase that number to 150.