Mexico stands firm on accepting Cuban doctors for underserved regions, defying US pressure under President Donald Trump.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on March 25 that Mexico will maintain its agreement to receive Cuban medical workers, emphasizing their role in serving poor, rural communities.
Sheinbaum described the program as beneficial, noting that Cuban doctors are willing to work in areas where Mexican specialists are scarce, helping address healthcare gaps since 2022.
US Pressure on Cuba's Medical Program
In February, the US passed a law enabling sanctions on countries that continue participating in Cuba's medical exchange, labeling it as coerced labor and human trafficking.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the program involves restricted freedom for workers and minimal pay, urging nations to end involvement.
Countries such as the Bahamas, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Guyana have already terminated their participation in the Cuban medical program amid this US campaign.
Cuba views its medical missions as a form of international solidarity and a key revenue source, though it has faced a US economic embargo since 1960.
UN experts have echoed concerns about issues like passport confiscation in the program, which Cuba justifies as a measure to retain trained professionals.
Mexico is navigating its relations by continuing the agreement, while the US under President Donald Trump pushes for broader isolation of Cuba, including threats of tariffs to cut off the island's access to foreign oil.
