US maps plan to curb Cuba’s medical missions to squeeze regime

According to a February State Department memo, the Trump administration is expanding pressure on Cuba by offering incentives to Western Hemisphere governments to end Cuban doctors’ work, with the effort framed as the Freedom Framework for Self-Sufficient Healthcare in the Americas. The plan would provide infrastructure support and ethical third-country recruitment to countries that shut down Cuban medical missions, aiming to eliminate the program in 2-4 years. Some nations have already cut or restructured programs under pressure, while Venezuela remains a major user; officials say the strategy seeks to choke Havana’s revenue and leverage diplomacy over any military action.