San Antonio de los Baños, like the rest of the territories of the country, relies on doctors who provide internationalist medical cooperation. We talked to Griselda Quiñones Duvergel, Gynecologist from the General Teaching Hospital ´´Ivan Portuondo´´.
In what country did you fulfill the mission?
In Algeria, from September 11th, 2010 to May 23rd, 2013. I practiced as a Gynecologist - Obstetrician.
What were the most common health problems?
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, uterine rupture, multiparous women were among the most frequent cases. Cuban medical care has programs to control these chronic diseases. The attention to the pregnant woman and the baby allowed us to reduce the infant and maternal mortality rate.
What did the medical contribution provide in that country?
We exercise the profession and in the daily service, we face all cases surpassing even language barriers, distance, adapting to the culture of this population, especially living with different concepts and points of view. It was gratifying to receive recognition from the Algerian professionals and people.
As a Gynecologist -.Obstetrician, what other actions did you develop?
I taught, I participated in scientific and educational exchanges with Algerian doctors and in French scientific conferences and activities to favor the life quality of patients. There was a significant decrease in maternal and child mortality with the use of early surgical intervention in case of prolapses, uterine fibroids and vaginal hysterectomies.