Cuban physicians desert in fear of Chávez's electoral defeat [View all]

[Bacchus4.0]

http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/121001/cuban-physicians-desert-in-fear-of-chavezs-electoral-defeat

Since May, 80 Cuban doctors have deserted Venezuela, revealed sources close to health program Misión Barrio Adentro


Cuban officials coordinating Venezuelan health program "Misión Barrio Adentro" are worried about the numerous desertions taking place in Venezuela. It is believed that as many as 80 Cuban physicians have left the country on a monthly basis over the last 90 days, ahead of October 7 presidential election. Furthermore, the exodus may exceed the figure recorded in 2011 (500 doctors).

"Some 22 physicians, including me, deserted the program in different parts of the country in just one week in May (...) It has been at least 80 people per month," commented Yumar Gómez, a Cuban physician who is now in Miami.

In 2011, at least 700 Cuban physicians around the world abandoned the missions provided for under the agreements between the communist Cuban Government and other 66 countries. As many as 500 of those physicians were in Venezuela, cited "Barrio Afuera," an organization that supports Cuban physicians seeking to leave "Barrio Adentro."

"Many believe things are not alright. Some have left because they believe that President Chávez is far from winning the election and his defeat is imminent. Let me tell you this... many do not want to return to Cuba," Gómez asserted.