LA PAZ, Feb 6 (NNN-Prensa Latina):The dedicated work of the Cuban medical brigade in Bolivia was highlighted at the main ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of its presence in the South American nation Friday.

Cuban ambassador Rafael Dausa said that since Feb.2, 2006 to date about 8,000 professionals had joined this contingent, which arrived to help the people and government of Evo Morales to handle emergencies such as heavy rain , floods and epidemics.

He emphasized that among other findings that support the recognition of the doctors is their work in the nine departments in 96 provinces and 256 municipalities in the Andean country.

He said more than 34 million medical consultations were provided for free, about 33,000 lives saved and over 487,800 eye operations were performed.

Dausa said cooperation in Bolivia will always be unconditional and was not aimed at seeking privileges and influence, rather it was dedicated to the efforts of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

He congratulated the young Bolivian graduates from the Latin American School of Medical Sciences (ELAM) in Havana, 50 of who will be joining the Cuban Henry Reeve Brigade, which assists the people of Haiti, battered by an earthquake on Jan.12.

He also praised the attitude of highland country specialists who participated in the Solidarity Mission Moto Mendez, a study of disabilities, recently reinforced by other social tasks.

During the ceremony, Interior Minister, Sacha Llorenti, also thanked his government, the efforts of Cuban doctors who have been serving away from their families to help consolidate the process of change headed by President Morales.

He said more than 40 years, another Cuban-Argentine doctor, Ernesto Che Guevara, arrived in Bolivia and died fighting for the same ideas and social achievements.

Dr. Pavel Noa was later elected as delegate to the Ninth Congress of the Communist Youth Union to be held in Havana in April, on behalf of all Cuban internationalists.

The ceremony, also attended by diplomats and members of the movement of solidarity with Cuba, was coloured by the popular interpretation of Bolivian artists, including the current senator from Tarija, Juan Enrique Jurado.

-NNN-PRENSA LATINA

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