Professor Bismark Tyobeka says South Africa has the capacity to train its doctors

 

Its been 30 years since South Africa introduced the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro (NMFC) programme, a bilateral medical training agreement with Cuba aimed at addressing the shortage of Doctors in South Africa's public and rural health sectors. Recent reports have highlighetd the challenges faced by students.  Participants have reported deteriorating conditions, living in cramped rooms with inconsistent water access, poor sanitation and food quality. The Department of Health has acknowledged that it had not conducted an oversight visit to assess students' living conditions since 2022, citing financial pressures and austerity measures. Meanwhile, South Africa has trained 3 277 doctors in Cuba, but at a current cost of around R1.62 million per student, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University is asking whether a programme created 30 years ago still serves the country's needs.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University