(Debate in Parliament on Cuban doctors’ role in the fight against Covid-19 in South Africa)
South Africans, and the country's healthcare workers in particular, find it hard to accept President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that the Cuban medical workers must be awarded the Nobel Prize for the work they did locally in the fight against Covid-19.
The President's statement demonstrates callous disregard for South Africa's own medical heroes.
The country's own healthcare workers have to work under extremely difficult circumstances every day, in many cases, with very little to no support when it comes to medical supplies, equipment, beds and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The enormous sacrifice of the country's healthcare workers is highlighted by the fact that the mortality rate due to Covid-19 among local healthcare workers is the fifth highest in the world.
As regards the Cuban involvement, the FF Plus repeatedly pointed out that the expertise of local, retired doctors and nurses must enjoy preference. That did not happen and 217 Cubans were brought to the country at a cost of R240 million.
The extent of this transgression is evident in the statistics released in January this year that indicate there are 40 000 vacant positions in the Department of Health at present and yet many doctors struggle to find work.
In November 2020, a large number of doctors who had to do their two-year internship, were informed that there was no money to pay them.
Cuban doctors are not the right solution for any of the country’s healthcare problems. The government must rather upgrade the current healthcare system and make use of local expertise. Besides, the Cubans are not familiar with local circumstances.
It is also no secret that medical care is one of Cuba's biggest exports.
In 2018, the Time magazine reported that it contributes approximately R210 billion (in rand value) to Cuba’s state coffers on an annual basis. While the doctors themselves reportedly only receive between 10% and 25% of their salaries.
The FF Plus wants to thank every single doctor and healthcare worker in the country for their hard work and selfless service, not only during the pandemic, but at all times and under extremely difficult circumstances. They are the true heroes.
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