Guatemala Ends Cuban Doctor Program

Move follows Trump administration campaign targeting Cuba's overseas medical program

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Guatemala's Health Ministry announced it will gradually wind down the employment of 412 Cuban medical workers, including 80% doctors, as their contracts end this year. The decision comes as Washington steps up its campaign against Havana's overseas medical missions, which critics describe as exploitative programs that funnel money to Cuba's government.

Why it matters

The Cuban medical program has been in place for decades, providing healthcare services to countries around the world. However, the Trump administration and others have criticized the program as exploitative, arguing that it funnels money to the Cuban government and may leave Cubans at home short on care. Guatemala's decision to end the program is part of a broader shift away from these Cuban medical missions.

The details

Guatemala's Health Ministry said the move to end the Cuban medical program is a strategic decision designed to strengthen the national health system. The program had brought hundreds of Cuban doctors into the country, with 80% of their salaries going directly to Cuba. Other countries, including Paraguay, the Bahamas, and Guyana, have also ended their Cuban medical programs in recent years.

  • Guatemala announced the decision to wind down the Cuban medical program on February 11, 2026.
  • The 412 Cuban medical workers, including 80% doctors, will have their contracts gradually ended throughout 2026 as the program is phased out.

The players

Guatemala Health Ministry

The government agency responsible for overseeing Guatemala's healthcare system and its decision to end the Cuban medical program.

Trump administration

The former U.S. presidential administration that stepped up its campaign against Cuba's overseas medical missions, which it has criticized as exploitative.

Marco Rubio

The former U.S. Secretary of State who has described Cuba's medical missions as programs that funnel money to the Cuban government.

Cuba Archive

A Miami-based organization that estimates Cuba's exported skilled workers, including medical professionals, generate around $4 billion annually for the Cuban government.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Guatemala's decision to end its Cuban medical program is part of a broader shift away from these overseas medical missions, which have been criticized as exploitative by the Trump administration and others. This move highlights the ongoing tensions between Cuba and the United States over the role of Cuban medical professionals abroad.