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Posted at 07:44 on 20 October, 2009 UTC

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49791

Solomon Islands’ Ministry of health says there have been some problems
with doctors sent from Cuba, but the issues are being resolved.

A review of Solomon Islands’ National Referral Hospital found the
doctors, who are working in the country under an agreement between
Cuba and the Solomon Islands Government, speak little English, and
can’t communicate with patients.

Dr Cedric Alependava, the under secretary for health improvement, says
the problem is being alleviated because the doctors are learning pidgin.

He says in the meantime they are unable to work after hours.

    “We thought they were going to work after hours to relive some pressure
on our local doctors but because they are not working after hours there does
seem to be a little bit of complaint. But then we are more or less utilising them
on public health programmes and outreach programmes. Pretty soon they’ll be
on board on after hours, because they are now beginning to speak Pidgin and
understand [how] to communicate with local people.”

Dr Cedric Alependava says a dermatologist from Cuba is expected to arrive in
Solomon Islands soon.

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