|
Cuban medical training described
as exemplary
HAVANA.— Cuba’s work in the field of health and in
particular medical training is exemplary, according
to Dr. José Luis di Fabio, representative of the Pan
American and World Health Organizations (PAHO-WHO)
in Cuba.
During the Second International Conference on
Medical Education for the 21st Century, which
concluded October 3, Di Fabio discussed the Latin
American School of Medicine (ELAM), founded 15 years
ago by the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution,
Fidel Castro, and from which almost 25,000 students
from 95 countries have graduated.
Speaking to AIN, he recalled that on previous
occasions, Ban Ki-moon, secretary-general of the UN,
and Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO,
stated that the ELAM is a shining example as it
offers many young people from developing nations and
vulnerable communities the opportunity to train as
doctors, return to their countries and treat their
own people.
Di Fabio stated that both Cuban and foreign students
studying to become doctors receive the same
training, which is also available in universities
abroad through different programs adapted to the
specific epidemiology and healthcare systems of the
country.
In regards to the Conference held at Havana’s
Convention Center and to which some 400 delegates
from 20 countries attended, Di Fabio noted that this
type of event demonstrates Cuba’s ability to
prioritize healthcare, not only for the country
itself, but also the rest of the world.
Dr. Ileana Morales, director of Science and
Technology at the Ministry of Public Health and
president of the organizing committee of the event,
emphasized that debates were focused on how the
human resources graduating from the medical
universities can directly contribute to resolving
the world’s most crucial health problems.
During the event it was announced that Cuba, under
Dr. Jorge González Pérez, will preside over the
Latin American Association of Medical Faculties and
Schools for the coming term, which runs through
2017. (AIN)
|
