Medical students poised to return as doctors from Cuba

ISLAMABAD, It is known that 930 Pakistani students are currently studying Medicine in Cuba as result of an offer made by Cuba after the terrible earthquake that hit the brotherly people of Pakistan on October 2005.

Despite the blockade and the serious economic limitations thereof, Cuba has made a great effort to create the necessary conditions and the best possible environment mindful of their culture, traditions and religious beliefs.

326 of these students have completed their second year of Medical School and 604 their first year. They study alongside with 30,000 other foreign youths from 126 countries, who also study in Cuba. 24 thousands of them are studying Medicine.

A transcendental moment has come for the nearly three hundred Pakistani youngsters, who should now start the third year combining their studies with direct medical assistance to the Cuban people. This is also a major decision for the Cuban authorities since this means entrust them with the health care and healing of the children and the elder, men and women of our country.

To that end, it has been foreseen to soon transfer these students to the Medicine faculties of Santa Clara and Sagua la Grande, pertaining to the Medical Sciences College of Villa Clara, an institution duly recognized by the World Health Organization. At the same time, seven thousand other students of Medicine from 34 countries are being transferred to the corresponding Faculties, also linked to direct healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the over six hundred Pakistani students in their second year of Medical School are enjoying a few well-deserved days of teaching recess and are normally proceeding with the corresponding activities at the “José María Aguirre” and “Antonio Ramón Horta” Medicine faculties.

Recently, an important delegation headed by Honorable Senator Nilofar Baktiar and senior representatives of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) visited our country and, alongside the Ambassador of Pakistan, met several times with the Pakistani students. They also visited the new Faculties where the third-year students have been assigned to, confirming their good conditions and giving the students every assurance that their Medical degrees will be recognized back home.