First group of Cuban doctors land at JKIA – PHOTOS
The first group of 50 Cuban doctors landed in Nairobi on Tuesday evening, with a second group of similar number expected to arrive next week Thursday.
The group was welcomed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Health CAS Rashid Aman and the Cuban Ambasador to Kenya.
The doctors are expected to begin their orientation at the Government School of Science for two weeks before being deployed to the 47 counties.
In total, the 100 Cuban specialists include three radiologists, five nephrologists, orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and neurologists.
“Kenya is eager and willing to learn from Cuba, which has managed to eradicate malaria and improve health indicators with infant mortality currently standing at 4.1 per 1000 live births, said Council of Governors via Twitter.
Kenya is eager & willing to learn from Cuba who has managed to eradicate malaria & improve health indicators with infant mortality currently standing at 4.1 per 1000 live births! #CubanDoctorsArrive pic.twitter.com/9j3ywtkDdy
— Council of Governors (@KenyaGovernors) June 5, 2018
The doctors are expected to be provided with furnished apartments, security, transport and a monthly salary while serving in Kenya for two years.
On hand to receive the Medical Specialist is H.E. Anyang Nyongo, Health CAS Rashid Aman and the Cuban Ambasador to Kenya Raúl Rodríguez Ramos and senior government officials from the Ministry of Health and County Governors #CubanDoctorsArrive pic.twitter.com/P9F9BteKqc
— Council of Governors (@KenyaGovernors) June 5, 2018
Kenyan doctors have expressed disappointment with the decision to hire the Cubans, but the government insists the specialists from the Caribbean nation will build capacity in Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals across the country.
Kenya’s doctor-to-patient ratio is one to 16,000, according to official data, far below a recommendation of the U.N. World Health Organization of one to 1,000.