Doctors benefit from SA, Cuba training programme

A medical training programme between South Africa and Cuba has seen hundreds of doctors from poor backgrounds receiving training in the Caribbean country.

To date, more than 2000 South African medical students have benefited from the programme.

To celebrate 20 years of its existence at Libode in the Eastern Cape, doctors are offering medical services to rural communities for free.

Lumka Nodada, a doctor from Butterworth says receiving the bursary to study in Cuba was a blessing.

“It was a great opportunity because I have always had an interest in medicine. When we got to Cuba we noticed that primary health care was so important. I have learnt so many things in Cuba. The experience in Cuba has motivated me to go beyond my limits and help the less fortunate where ever they are.”

People who received medical assistance are grateful to these doctors.

“These doctors have done so much for us. We were involved in an accident and none us received treatment for our injuries. These doctors and nurses have brought us hope. Now, we can get on with our lives.”