On Monday reports confirmed that the Eastern Cape government has welcomed Cuban doctors to East London.
The group of 20, which includes physicians, specialists and bio-statisticians, among others, have arrived and will be helping the province in the fight against COVID-19.
Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, says the Cuban doctors have come at a crucial time for the province.
The Eastern Cape has reported more than 1800 coronavirus infections and there have been 32 deaths reported thus far.
Mabuyane says South African doctors, who are unemployed or just out of university, should come forward and report for duty too. He made it clear that the Cuban doctors are not there to take over or replace doctors that have been assisting in the fight against COVID-19.
The premier has voiced his dismay at US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo’s recent criticism of South Africa for allowing Cuba to send help.
Mabuyane stressed that Cuba’s assistance is greatly appreciated and that they are ready to roll up their sleeves and join forces with their South African counterparts.
The doctors will be assigned throughout the Eastern Cape to work with local doctors already in the field.
