Specialists at the university, led by Profesor Emeritus Francisca López, will address different aspects of the ideology espoused by the Comandante en Jefe, who passed away in November, 2016.

Within the framework of this inauguration, a panel discussion by members of the new chair was held, in which they reflected on the importance of studying Fidel’s thought in the social, economic, natural and exact sciences.

Attending the event were the advisor to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, José Ramón Fernández; the Rector of the University of Havana, Gustavo Cobreiro; the President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Fernando González; as well as students and lecturers of this higher education institution.

(Prensa Latina)

Today, many health care professionals remember the interest shown by the leader of the Cuban Revolution in their studies, always alert to their living conditions, and those of classrooms.

Fidel visited classes in progress, and reviewed bibliographies to make sure they were the most up to date. In meetings with students, he asked about difficulties, and encouraged them to stay strong, not give up, sharing his vision of what Cuban medicine could become.

The emigration of half of the country’s doctors after the triumph of the Revolution in 1959 was overcome. Students with the best academic careers took on teaching tasks after graduation, and helped establish new medical schools.

The first group of graduates, some 400 doctors and 26 dentists, wanted to honor the martyrs of the country’s liberation struggle and receive their diplomas where the Rebel Army fought. Their desire was to follow in the footsteps of those young people who made the January 1, 1959 victory possible.

Fidel supported the initiative, and boarded the train which departed from the capital November 6 and at several principal stops along the route east. He wanted to interact with the young doctors and motivate them to devote themselves fully to the work they were about to undertake. In Holguín, they inaugurated the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital, which had been constructed with the collaboration of the Soviet Union.

Upon receiving their degrees, the graduates promised to renounce the private practice of medicine; extend the standard social service period to two or three years; continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge; promote preventative medicine; and be prepared to offer solidarity to any people in need.

Their efforts have contributed to the accomplishments of Cuba’s public health system which today has produced an impressive infant mortality rate of 4.2 for every 1,000 live births; the reduction of maternal deaths (35.1 for every 100 000 births); and increased life expectancy to 79 years of age. Those over 80 today represent 18.3% of the Cuban population, a figure which is expected to reach 30% by 2030.

Of this historic group, 227 worked as specialists in different areas; three became Professors of Merit; almost all have held teaching positions; some 50 completed advanced degrees; and nine became research leaders. Some 60 have served on international missions, and about a 100 have been directors at different levels of the country’s public health system.

Filling the anniversary activities were warm embraces, questions about an absent classmate, anecdotes from the years gone by, the desire to share a recollection of Fidel on that historic day, leading the group up the slopes and surprising them with ice cream at the summit.

An important event during the first graduates’ anniversary celebration was their meeting with Cuban doctors who collaborated in the struggle against Ebola in West Africa, members of the Henry Reeve Contingent, specialized in emergency situations.

The graduates additionally visited Calixto García University Hospital, where they were trained, and received an update on the nation’s recent medical progress, to which they have contributed so much.

In recognition of their accomplishments and efforts made to save human lives, several outstanding individuals were honored with certificates presented by Health Minister Roberto Morales Ojeda; José Ramón Balaguer, head of the Party’s international affairs department; University of Havana Rector Gustavo Cobreiro Suárez; and other government leaders.

Colleagues of this first generation of doctors trained by the Revolution called them “Profe” and thanked them for passing on their knowledge. They became the paradigm for those who followed, who are practicing medicine today.

(Granma)

As well as participating in a range of educational congresses, Frei Betto has been active in the fight against the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, in the campaign for the return of Elián González and for the freedom of the Five anti-terrorists.

This Monday, in the Aula Magna of the University of Havana, he was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Philosophy, during a ceremony presided over by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, member of the Party Political Bureau and first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers.

Winner of the National Social Sciences Award, Dr Fernando Martínez Heredia, emphasized Betto’s commitment to the people of Brazil, noting that “The poorest and the workers of Brazil proclaimed him their doctor years ago, because he put his intellect and his actions at the service of those struggling against prolonged dictatorship and until now he has defended the rights of the Brazilian people.”

On accepting the honorary title, Betto noted that “The most outstanding Cubans were students at this university, from Félix Varela to Fidel Castro. Another name worth mentioning is the student president of the struggle against Batista, José Antonio Echeverría, who was president of the FEU, founded the Revolutionary Directorate, and on the day of the assault on the Presidential Palace, March 13, 1957, died fighting against the wall of this university.”

He expressed thanks to the university and to Cuba “for giving Latin America and the world men and women who embody the deepest human values.”

Also attending the ceremony were Dr. Rodolfo Alarcón Ortiz, minister of Higher Education; the advisers to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Abel Prieto and José Ramón Fernández; Dr Gustavo Cobreiro Suárez, rector of the university; Armando Hart Dávalos, director of the Martí Program Office and president of the José Martí Cultural Society, and His Excellency Cesario Melantonio, ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

(Granma)

The resolution of the almost tercentenary house of higher studies, read by its rector, Gustavo Cobreiro, highlights the trajectory of the dignitary since his days as a union leader to the current responsibilities.

Morales was awarded because he has made great contributions to a New Political Science for the poor, for the ordinary people, the political South, and inclusive of indigenous people, says the text.

From that science it is recognized that indigenous peoples of Bolivia, Latin America and the world have emerged as subjects and protagonists.

It also stresses that the president has faced with political courage, and in a creative way, internal and external challenges threatening the new Plurinational State of Bolivia.

Morales’ political practice, and his bioethical, environmentalist and political thinking qualify him as the leader of greatest political and social results in Bolivia’s history.

This is not only Evo Morales’ recognition, but of those who fight for equality in Latin America and the world, said the head of state after receiving the aforementioned title in the Aula Magna.

Later, the president, who pays an official visit to Cuba, spoke about the situation in Bolivia and the internal and external factors that affect the process of the South American nation; and criticized U.S. policies and capitalism.

(Prensa Latina)