How does the Cuban government benefit from sending doctors abroad?
The Cuban government benefits by fulfilling its stated commitment to solidarity with the developing nations of the world, while at the same time fostering professional and personal development in the country’s health professionals. At the same time, the medical cooperation program accrues goodwill around the world, especially with populations who may have never had health services before. South-South cooperation and integration is also strengthened by the Cuban assistance, which goes primarily to other developing nations. In the case of the ALBA accords with Venezuela, Cuba receives oil on favorable trade terms in return for medical cooperation and other human resources support (see FAQ above). Certain wealthier countries also request assistance from Cuban medical teams, for which they compensate the Cuban government.
