Claudia Sheinbaum defends use of Cuban doctors in Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the employment of Cuban doctors within the country's public health system, stating they are indispensable for providing medical care to large portions of the population. During a press conference, Sheinbaum addressed criticisms regarding the presence of Cuban specialists, specifically refuting claims that they receive higher salaries than Mexican professionals. She emphasized that these doctors are hired directly and receive equitable compensation.

The President noted that the government is working to increase the number of national specialists by expanding medical residency placements. According to data from the Ministry of Health, residency spots increased from 8,333 in 2019 to approximately 18,926 by 2026, a 127 percent increase. Sheinbaum attributed this expansion to policies initiated during the previous administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

These comments follow criticisms from U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar, who alleged that the hiring practices violated USMCA agreements and characterized the arrangement as forced labor. Sheinbaum maintained that the Cuban medical personnel are essential for staffing clinics and hospitals, particularly in underserved regions.