Nelspruit — As part of its efforts to reduce the shortage of health professionals in Mpumalanga, the provincial Department of Health is to send a contingent of youth to study medicine in Cuba.

The provincial Departments of Health and Social Services will once again be sending 25 students to Cuba to study medicine, according to department spokesperson Mpho Gabalasha.

On their return, the students will help the province with the shortage of health professionals in the province and improve service delivery.

Explaining the requirements, Mr Gabalasha said a student must have passed matric with an exemption with science subjects, must not be older than 25 years, have no criminal record and must be prepared to undergo screening for chronic diseases and be bonafide residents of Mpumalanga.

Applications must be submitted with a certified identity document, certified matric certificate, proof of residence, six (4 x 5cm) photos and present a medical certificate. In addition all applicants must have a valid South African passport.

According to media reports, in January there were less than 700 public doctors in Mpumalanga, however the province requires an additional 8 897 doctors.

Commenting on the call for young people, MEC William Lubisi said: "After five years in Cuba, we expect these young people to come back and service their communities, and that is the only commitment we need from them."

For this reason he said the youth in the province had no reason to commit crime or do drugs.

"... because their democratic government has and will continue to avail opportunities for them to better their lives and those of their communities."