Six Fiji citizens have been given an opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine (MBBS) in Cuba.
The Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Mr Parmesh Chand said the programme was a first of its kind initiative between the Government of Cuba and the Government of Fiji.
This has been made possible with the encouragement and support of the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
It includes six years of study plus one year preparatory period for language training since lessons will be taught in Spanish.
Mr Chand said Fiji faced ongoing shortage of doctors and as such, Government was exploring opportunities to increase the number of local doctors.
“Given the manpower needs faced by the Ministry of Health, this offer to study medicine will definitely be a boost to the Ministry and Fiji,” Mr. Chand said.
He added the Cuban Government would provide tuition, accommodation, meals, text books, monthly allowance and medical/dental assistance.
Return airfares to Cuba will be provided by the Fiji Public Service Commission.
The idea of sending medical students to study in Cuba has been progressively pursued since 2003 when the two countries established diplomatic relations.
Medicine was identified as the one of the areas of co-operation that could be explored given the achievements of excellence by Cuba in this area.
The students left for Cuba on Saturday the 28th of August, 2010.