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In recent years these schemes have been expanded, especially with regard to bilateral arrangements with Venezuela (and now Bolivia) under Operación Milagro and other schemes with ophthalmology being a particular specialism.
In 2006-7, Cuba is to increase the number of healthcare personnel in Venezuela from 13,000 to 30,000 and participate in programs to establish over 1,235 medical centers. Under terms of ALBA signed on April 29, 2006 Operación Milagro will also be extended to Bolivia. While the original intention behind these schemes was social and political, the implementation of an accord through which Cuba receives monies for the treatment of Venezuelan patients (at international rates) now generates very significant cash flows and profits to Cuba over and above what it has cost to renovate the hospitals. A new Cuban state enterprise Servicios Medicos Cubanos (SMC) has been involved in negotiations with a number of developing countries with particular agreements reached with Algeria and China. |
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