Uruguay

Executive summary

Cuba's medical mission to Uruguay began in 2005 with ophthalmological screenings under Operación Milagro, formalizing through the José Martí Eye Hospital in 2007 and continuing today under a 2018 health services agreement, remaining active with 21 personnel as of November 2025. Official Cuban figures largely align with Uruguayan records, though brigade sizes fluctuated inconsistently between reports. Documented labour violations include Cuba's retention of 71% of contracted fees, cooperants receiving mere stipends of $790–$1,000 monthly, restrictive migration regulations, and a 2021 contract rescission for non-compliance. No overt electoral mobilization is documented, though Uruguay's 2015 debt forgiveness reveals underlying diplomatic leverage. Nine physicians deserted, seeking independent validation—six failed, three received no results. A "solidarity" mission revealed as a $50 million debt transaction.

Mission data

Research profile