79 Cuban doctors arrive in Ghana

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - A team of 79 medical officers from the Cuban Medical Brigade, have arrived in Ghana to provide quality health service delivery nationwide.

The medical team made up of general physicians, surgeons, pediatricians, anesthetists and other medical personnel would be posted to deprived communities in all the ten regions of Ghana. Their services are voluntary and would not cost Ghana any financial commitment. The team is in the country to supplement the shortfall of the doctor/patient ratio.

Meeting the delegation on arrival on Tuesday, the Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kumbuor stated that it was refreshing that some group of persons were always willing to work in communities that did not have the resources and the personnel to deliver quality health delivery.

"It is a good thing that people are prepared to work in communities that do not have the resources and this spirit of volunteerism from the Cubans is wealthy of emulation by all and sundry", he said. He noted that Ghana has a lot of challenges in the health sector and hence the expertise that the Cubans have brought on board was timely and would do a lot of good to the health sector.

"This collaboration shows the long lasting relationship between the two countries and would go a long way to strengthen our medical cooperation and that of other sectors", Dr Kumbuor indicated.

He said that the Cuban team over the years do not come to the country to offer only medical services, but also conduct research on how to find solutions to general diseases and their eradication. "This I must say is very refreshing and commendable", the Health Minister noted.

He assured the team of Government of Ghana's continued support and collaboration during their duration.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Health Minister said that notwithstanding the contributions from the Cubans, Ghana Government would continue to implement policies that would encourage medical personnel to serve in deprived communities.

"Our quest to provide incentives to medical personnel to serve in deprived communities will not be relented to ensure quality health delivery across the country", he indicated. He also noted that necessary mechanisms have been put in place to promote patriotism and check the exodus of medical personnel from the country.

The Cuban Ambassador, Dr. Miguel Perez Cruz said: "The importance of the medical cooperation shows how Ghana and Cuba are committed to improving the health care delivery system for its people." A representative of the medical team, Dr Abel Acuna, assured Ghanaians that they would put up their expertise to the benefit of all in their respective communities. 17 Nov. 10