The government of Botswana has come under scrutiny over its healthcare deal with Cuba, which has been in place for some time. Under the agreement, Cuban doctors are employed to work in Botswana's public service hospitals, helping to alleviate the country's healthcare shortages. However, allegations have emerged that the arrangement is exploitative, with claims that the Cuban government takes control of the doctors' wages.
According to sources, Botswana pays approximately P56,000 per month for every specialist employed, but the Cuban doctors receive significantly lower wages. It is alleged that they receive around P14,000 per month, with one international watchdog claiming that as much as 75% of their true earnings is siphoned off by the Cuban state. This has led to accusations of modern-day slavery.
The confidential bilateral agreement between the governments of Botswana and Cuba has been obtained by the Sunday Standard. The watchdog Prisoners Defenders has denounced the arrangement as "modern day slave trade." The organization has raised concerns about the exploitation of Cuban doctors, who are allegedly trapped in a lucrative network of state-sponsored exploitation.
The Cuban doctors play a crucial role in maintaining Botswana's overstretched healthcare system. However, the significant disparity in wages has sparked concerns about the fairness of the arrangement. It is unclear how many Cuban doctors are employed in Botswana's healthcare system or the total value of the agreement.
The Botswana government has not officially commented on the allegations. However, the country's healthcare system has long faced challenges, including shortages of medical professionals. The employment of Cuban doctors has helped alleviate some of these shortages, but the allegations of modern slavery have raised questions about the sustainability of the arrangement.
International watchdogs and human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the exploitation of workers in various countries. The allegations of modern slavery in Botswana's healthcare deal with Cuba have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in international agreements.
The Sunday Standard was unable to access further information due to subscription restrictions. The allegations of modern slavery in Botswana's healthcare deal with Cuba remain a pressing concern, with calls for greater transparency and fairness in the arrangement.
Key points
- The Cuban government allegedly controls the wages of doctors employed in Botswana, with claims that 75% of their earnings are siphoned off.
- Botswana pays approximately P56,000 per month for every specialist employed, but Cuban doctors receive around P14,000.
- The arrangement has been denounced as "modern day slave trade" by the international watchdog Prisoners Defenders.
