Pakistani medical students in Cuba have shown remarkable performance among students from over 120 different countries.

Over 900 Pakistani students are pursuing medical studies funded by the Government of Cuba. The results for the academic year 2010-11 show that the cumulative result of Pakistani students was 99.67 per cent followed by Ecuador 98.28 per cent, Bolivia 97.69 per cent, China 97.28 per cent and Nicaragua 96.77 per cent.

The scholarship of Pakistani students includes tuition fee, books, free laundry, halal food, lodging, health insurance and other miscellaneous expenditures. In addition, the Government of Pakistan is providing a monthly stipend of 50 euros per month to all the students and return air ticket.

The first batch of 310 students has completed four years of medical study along with a comprehensive course in Spanish and their fifth year will start by the end of February 2012. The 2nd batch of 602 students has completed three years of medical study along with a comprehensive course in Spanish and their fourth year will also start by the end of February 2012.

The students would return to Pakistan in 2013 and 2014, after successful completion of their studies in Cuba. It is expected that these students would be able to make a substantial contribution to improve the health sector of Pakistan and would also further strengthen the bilateral friendly relations between both the countries.

Cuba is far ahead of Pakistan in medical education and health delivery system. The achievements of Cubans in health indicators are a role model for other nations of the world. At present, Pakistan has one of the lowest health indicators in areas such as infant mortality, vaccination and maternal health.