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Brazil Seeks Foreign Doctors


Brazil has launched a program to lure thousands of foreign doctors to fill vacancies in its public health system.

President Dilma Rousseff said Monday "we will look for good doctors wherever they are."

The initiative is aimed at addressing the lack of doctors in rural communities and the poor outskirts of Brazilian cities. President Rousseff said "every Brazilian must have access to a doctor."

The government said the three-year posts with a monthly pay of $4,500 will be offered to both Brazilian physicians and their foreign counterparts. Officials say recruitment efforts will focus mainly on Spain and Portugal.

Brazil erupted in massive protests last month fueled by frustration with a high cost of living and poor health and education services, plus anger over the billions that will be spent to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic summer games.

In May, Brazil said it intended to import thousands of Cuban doctors to fill the vacancies. Officials say that plan has been dropped over questions about the Cuban doctors' qualifications.

Cuban doctors have a history of serving in the world's developing countries.
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