News24.com.za. 16/08/2000 14:25 - (SA)
Mafikeng - Twenty-one students from North West province will travel to Cuba at the end of August to be trained as doctors, the province's health department announced on Wednesday.
The students, selected from disadvantaged communities, would return to work in their communities after completion of their training and so alleviate the critical shortage of medical professionals in the province, spokesman Boipelo Mooketsi said in a statement.
"As a predominantly rural province, North West is one of the most disadvantaged provinces with regard to the recruitment of locally trained health professionals, in particular medical officers," Mooketsi said.
The students were selected for their history of active contribution to their communities, their potential to be caring doctors, their creativity and initiative and their commitment to serving poor communities on their return, Mooketsi said.
Before their departure they will undergo an orientation course and will visit several hospitals in the province.
"The department is satisfied that these candidates represent the cream of the province and that they will be an important asset in the service of our people when they come back," Mooketsi said. - Sapa
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