Over 12,000 Students March in Support of Community Doctors

Venezuelan students marched in Caracas this Saturday in support of the National Program of Integral Community Medicine, created by the Bolivarian Government in 2005.

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Caracas, 05 Nov. AVN.- Over 12,000 Venezuelan students marched in Caracas this Saturday in support of the National Program of Integral Community Medicine, created by the Bolivarian Government in 2005.

Rector of the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, Angel Moros, who joined the activity, said the march was facing a smear campaign run by an opposition group in Venezuela who are against the educational program.

“We just want to draw attention to the fact that they are not raising arguments to do with the people’s health” Moros said, adding that “malicious interests” lay behind the smear campaign.

Next month a total 8,250 Venezuelans will graduate as Integral Community Doctors, after receiving high-quality training throughout the last 6 years in the Bolivarian University of Venezuela. The country’s opposition has criticised the programme, claiming that a period of 6 years is insufficient time to train as a doctor.

“Keep maintaining that level and determination that you demonstrated throughout those years, since it means you have made an enormous effort,” said Moros to the new professionals.

For his part, UNEFA rector Jesus Gonzalez Gonzalez reminded that the Integral Community Medicine degree was a program that had to be approved by the National Council for Universities.

Gonzalez asked for respect for these professionals, who are also supported by the Law of Medicine, which stipulates the inclusion of integral community doctors in the national public health system.

The National Program on Integral Community Medicine was created through an agreement signed by then president of Cuba, Fidel Castro, and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez on August 21, 2005.

The agreement, named Sandino’s Commitment, aims to educate professionals in the field of health for American and Caribbean countries.

Edited by Venezuelanalysis