They are members of the Cuban medical brigade based at the “José Marti” Eye Hospital, in Montevideo, a national reference one.

Many of their patients are elderly, most of whom suffer from cataracts, among other ailments.

Cuban medical cooperation in this field is in its 17th year and was born out of the Miracle Mission promoted by then-presidents Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez of Cuba and Venezuela.

Dr. Evelyn Almira, head of the Cuban health contingent, told Prensa Latina that, as of last March, her country’s brigade had provided 902,086 consultations to the Uruguayan population over the years.

Some 216,222 people were screened, and over 116,000 surgeries were performed.

Cuban specialists’ work is highly recognized here, as expressed by patients, representatives of the National Organization of Retirees and Pensioners Associations of Uruguay, unions, municipalities, and various institutions.

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