ELAM: internationalist and solidarity vocation of the Cuban Revolution
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- Published: Wednesday, 24 July 2019 07:53
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Photo: CadenagramonteHavana, July 24.- The happiness and pride in reaching the goal were evident in the face of the nearly 500 students from 84 countries who received their Doctor of Medicine degree, after studying at the Latin American School of Medicine ( ELAM), to become the fifteenth graduation of that initiative of Fidel.
In the ceremony held on Tuesday at the capital Karl Marx theater, attended by Roberto Morales Ojeda, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba and vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, it was noted that the ELAM project is a living example of the internationalist and solidarity vocation of the Revolution on the island.
José Ángel Portal Miranda, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Minister of Public Health, recalled that today half of the world lacks essential health services, that only five of the 49 low-income countries exceed the threshold of 23 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 inhabitants, and that in 47 nations of sub-Saharan Africa there are only 168 medical schools.
In that context, Cuba stands out for its indicator of doctors per inhabitants - nine per thousand - with more than 100 thousand active doctors that cover health in the country and contribute to improving that of other nations, in which it is part the preparation of competent human resources with high academic and scientific level.
In this regard, the head said that the historical number of graduates of other nations in Cuba in the Medical Sciences careers this year amounted to 37 thousand 333 young people of 141 nationalities, of which 96% are doctors.
He commented that ELAM graduates today provide care in offices, medical posts, hospitals, hygiene centers, many have become ministers of Health, assume responsibilities in the Government or have been inclined to research.
With their daily efforts they leave the ELAM stamp printed as a synonym for professional excellence and human solidarity, he said.
Antonio López Gutiérrez, rector of the aforementioned University, said that these young people arrived from the most varied corners of the world, and thanks to their efforts and sacrifices they concluded the preparation that enables them to practice as doctors.
He said that the graduates had a high participation in academic activities, the Student Assistants movement, student scientific events and awards, and that of the total 36 they deserved the Gold Title.
He also mentioned that recent graduates will live with a complex and full of challenges scenario, before which they must act using the tools acquired in the ELAM classrooms and laboratories.
We trust that your capacity, audacity and dedication to service will make them an active part of the solutions to any problem they face, he said.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Patrick Dely, president of the International Medical Society of Graduates of ELAM and director of Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Haiti, member of the first promotion.
Dely insisted that thanks to ELAM, Fidel Castro's dreams come true: more than 29,600 doctors have trained and are ready to bring health to any corner of the planet that needs us, he emphasized.
As part of the gala, the trajectory of the most comprehensive students was highlighted, and on behalf of all of them spoke Ismael Oumarou Issaka, from the Republic of Niger, who thanked Cuba and the Revolution for opening their arms and welcoming them as their children even in the adverse circumstances that the country is experiencing, motivated by the blockade imposed by the United States.
The famous American actor and activist Danny Glover was a special guest of the event, and took the opportunity to address a few words to the new professionals, whom he congratulated, along with his family and teachers, and commented that young people should serve the community with a great ethical responsibility focused on patient health.
With this graduation, there are more than 29,600 doctors of a hundred nations formed through this integration project, founded by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro on November 15, 1999. (Cadenagramonte)
