ANC, SACP welcomes Cuban doctors to SA
The African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have welcomed a team of Cuban doctors to South Africa.
The group of 200 doctors arrived in Johannesburg just before midnight on Sunday to assist South African health officials in curbing the spread of coronavirus.
The number of South African coronavirus confirmed cases in South Africa has risen to 4 564.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte says the specialised medical team has been selected in collaboration with the Department of Health.
"We commend Cuba for the selfless manner in which they responded to our government’s SOS during these turbulent times - tailoring their assistance carefully to our needs - commensurate with the gesture of International solidarity displayed by Cuba during our liberation struggle against apartheid.”
Duarte believes the Cubans will bring expertise in the planning, execution and management of clinical cases.
The SACP says Cuba has played a crucial role in the training of South African medical practitioners and engineers.
Spokesperson Alex Mashilo says the party believes the cooperation between the two countries should be strengthened even further.
"Cuba has worldwide recognised diabetic treatment capacity which could immensely benefit our country, stop unnecessary amputations and save lives. As South Africa, we have a lot to learn from Cuba, an island that has produced high levels of education and long life expectancy rates.”
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The delegation consists of experts in the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health; family physicians; healthcare technology; and experts to provide technical assistance working with local experts. Mkhize confirmed that before they departed from Cuba, the medical team had been placed in quarantine to ensure minimal risk of exposure prior to their arrival in South Africa.