Quito, November 28 (RHC)-- The Cuban medical brigade working in Ecuador has begun celebrations on occasion of Latin American Medicine Day, celebrated every year on December 3rd and paying homage to the eminent Cuban scientist Carlos Juan Finlay.

During a ceremony held Friday in Quito, the Cuban health collaborators reiterated their commitment to maintaining their ongoing programs implemented by the Ecuadorian government of President Rafael Correa, aimed at expanding and strengthening people's access to free, high-quality health care services in that South American country.

Addressing those present, Dr. María Isabel Martínez, head of the Cuban health mission in Ecuador, recalled that since the arrival of the first Cuban medical brigade in Ecuador in 2006, the Cuban health professionals have treated over one million 100 thousand patients, and have also carried out hundreds of complex surgical procedures, including 68 organ transplants.

During the ceremony, several Cuban health collaborators were awarded the Manuel Piti Fajardo Medal, granted by the Cuban Council of State to health professionals with outstanding performances over 25 years of work in the sector.