The altruism of Cuban health personnel was once again evident in Venezuela, as members of the Medical Mission rushed to aid those affected by the previous day’s earthquakes.
The solidarity of these men and women was immediate; as soon as the tremors struck, they headed into the communities to offer not only their expertise but also their compassion to those most in need during these dark hours of grief and loss.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency in the northern state of La Guaira due to the extensive infrastructure damage caused by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes; the destructive force of the quakes caused the collapse of 250 buildings, the majority of which were located in that coastal region.
Amidst this situation, Havana’s ambassador to Caracas, Jorge Mayo, and the head of the Medical Mission, Dr. Yusleivis Martínez, visited the area to tour health centers where their compatriots are providing care to Venezuelans affected by the earthquakes.
Speaking to accredited Cuban press, Martínez noted that once the scale of the disaster became known, they set about contacting the 24 state coordinators to ensure everyone was in “optimal health.”
He pointed out that the aid workers immediately requested to join in health and medical assistance efforts.
The Cuban physician noted that, in this manner, aid workers from La Guaira and across all Venezuelan states impacted by the quakes began joining the relief efforts.
Martínez recounted that the Cuban medical personnel worked through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning with “total dedication and commitment” to the health of the Venezuelan people. In a message sent to the families of all personnel working in Venezuela, the physician offered reassurance, stating that they were in “perfect health” and were providing medical care and solidarity, demonstrating a deep, long-standing commitment. Young doctors described how they immediately joined humanitarian relief efforts—barely taking the time to gather their gear and uniforms—to treat a wide range of conditions, including wounds, contusions, and hypertensive crises.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan patients praised the “Cuban doctors, who have helped us so much and are excellent and wonderful,” remarked one woman.
“They are wonderful, simply wonderful,” said an older man, adding, “There is nothing more to say; they are the best doctors here in Vargas state”—now known as La Guaira.
Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health reported today that the head of the sector, Dr. José Ángel Portal, spoke with teams across the 24 states where the personnel are stationed; they are out of danger, and many have been involved in providing care from the very beginning.
The Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of the Venezuelan people amidst the difficult situation facing that sister nation, Miranda stated.
