Military escalation casts doubt on the future of the medical brigades
14ymedio, Havana, January 3, 2026 — From the early hours of this Saturday, when news broke of the United States’ intervention in Venezuela, one of the questions that began circulating in Cuba was what would happen to the Cuban doctors who remain on mission in that country. The Ministry of Public Health assured, in a brief message circulated on social media, that all collaborators are safe. Nevertheless, beyond that official statement, the immediate future of one of the Cuban regime’s main sources of hard currency remains undefined.
After the military action took place, a retired nurse from Havana told this newspaper that a colleague in Venezuela assured her that “they have the Cubans on mission confined to barracks.”
In addition, a doctor stationed in Caracas told 14ymedio that, despite the messages of calm conveyed by their coordinators, nervousness is evident: “The bosses keep saying that everything is fine and that we have to wait for what Havana says, but they are very nervous.” At that moment, the U.S. president was about to begin a press conference from his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. “I can’t talk much because we’re all trying to listen to Trump’s speech, but what I can tell you is that it makes me nervous that I’m about to finish my mission and I’ve already bought the kids’ clothes. Imagine if they move us somewhere else and I can’t take anything with me.”
“The bosses keep saying that everything is fine and that we have to wait for what Havana says, but they are very nervous”
Another Cuban collaborator, from Zulia, commented that “everything is calm in the streets, but there are people who are very happy.” Several Venezuelan reporters, who maintained a live broadcast on X for more than ten hours, also reported crowds forming at markets and gas stations to buy supplies, amid fears of business closures.
The unease has been strongly reflected on social media, especially in comments responding to the official call for a demonstration at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana. Meanwhile, on social media numerous users demanded that priority be given to the safety of medical personnel and their return to the Island. “They are not military; they deserve to be with their families,” wrote one participant. Other messages expressed anxiety and irritation over the lack of foresight. “Now they’ve got the families of those who are over there going crazy here,” another comment noted.
However, not all opinions agree. There are also messages defending the continued presence of the brigades in Venezuela and arguing that, in a context of crisis, the doctors’ work is even more necessary. “In this imminent war, Cuban health brigades in Venezuela will be more necessary than ever,” states one of the comments, appealing to the continuity of the mission as part of a political commitment built over many years.
Beyond the opposing views, a possible interruption of the medical missions in Venezuela would have direct consequences for Cuba’s already fragile economy. Amid inflation, shortages, and the deterioration of basic services, the loss of one of its main sources of hard-currency income would worsen the internal crisis.
A possible interruption of the medical missions in Venezuela would have direct consequences for Cuba’s already fragile economy
Although Cuban authorities say they are maintaining constant communication with the mission, so far no plans for relocation, shelter, or return to Cuba have been made public, nor has it been explained what would happen if the conflict intensifies.
The presence of Cuban healthcare personnel in Venezuela dates back more than two decades and has been central both to the political relationship between the two governments and to the Island’s economy. Through these agreements, the Cuban state receives significant income, while professionals work under state contracts that limit their pay and their personal lives.
Independent organizations have been denouncing the labor conditions of these missions for years, including the withholding of salaries, political control, and restrictions on personal freedom. In a scenario of military intervention and high regional tension, these complaints take on an even more critical dimension.
Translated by Regina Anavy
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