Cuba has accused the United States of pressuring Latin American countries to end long-running agreements that allow Cuban doctors to work overseas.
Foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez said Washington was “extorting” countries in the region by urging them to cancel decades-old deals with Havana for medical missions. He added that the United States was trying to “strangle” Cuba’s economy.
The dispute comes as several countries have already stopped deploying Cuban doctors. Those foreign medical missions are a major source of income for the communist island, bringing in billions of dollars.
Cuba has for years relied on sending medical personnel abroad as part of its international cooperation programs. The government views these missions as an important part of its economy and foreign policy, while critics have often argued over the conditions and political implications surrounding the programs.
In his remarks, Rodríguez framed the issue as part of a broader U.S. campaign against Cuba. He said the pressure on Latin American governments was aimed at undermining a key source of revenue for the island.
The latest accusation adds to the long-running dispute between Havana and Washington, which have been at odds for decades over sanctions, diplomacy and Cuba’s overseas alliances. The medical missions have often been among the most visible and financially significant parts of Cuba’s international outreach.
As more countries reassess their arrangements with Havana, Cuba says it is facing growing external pressure to give up one of its most important economic lifelines. The foreign ministry’s comments reflect the government’s concern that the loss of these deals could further damage the island’s already strained economy.
