Sunday Tribune. After 22 years and billions of rand spent, the national Department of Health has taken a decision to downsize its Cuba-South Africa doctor programme. Although it has been reported that the programme will be terminated for a three- year period, Department of Health representative Gavin Steele said it would continue, but the number of students sent to Cuba for training each year would decrease. The programme started in 1996. The lack of facilities and places available at local institutions led to students being sent to study in Cuba. They spend five years in medical school in Cuba before returning here to finish their training, which takes between 12 and 18 months. Read the article here.Â