The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will this week lead a two-day Joint Academic Meeting (JAM) of Deans from South African and Cuban Medical Schools, in Cape Town.
The meeting, to be hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), is part of activities ahead of the graduation ceremony for medical students, who completed their studies through the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme, followed by 18 months integration into local universities.
“These academic meetings are held annually to prepare for the graduation ceremony, exchange scientific knowledge, discuss issues affecting the programme and ensure smooth integration of Cuban-trained students into local medical schools,” the Health Department explained.
This year, about 450 medical students are expected to graduate before being placed in various public health facilities across the country, primarily in historically disadvantaged communities and undeserved areas.
The graduation ceremony will also be hosted at the UCT’s Sarah Baartman Hall on Friday, 7 July 2023.
Dhlomo will be joined by representatives from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, South Africa and Cuba Medical Schools, as well as provincial Health MECs. – SAnews.gov.za
