Venezuelan health workers are getting cash bonuses from an unexpected source
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Guaidó wields little actual clout in the country — which is controlled by embattled president Nicolas Maduro — but was recognized by dozens of countries as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state after disputed elections two years ago. The funds he is distributing were seized by the US from Maduro’s government, as part of a larger strategy to force it out of power.
“The bonus is a significant boost, not just in terms of finances, but also as a motivation: we feel our work and sacrifices are recognized,” said a doctor in Caracas who was hoping to receive his bonus soon and who also spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity.
But the funding is set to deepen the institutional conflict at the heart of the Venezuelan state. Guaidó hopes to demonstrate that his administration is more capable than Maduro’s when it comes to looking after Venezuelan citizens, as they battle the pandemic with few resources after years of economic collapse, including hyperinflation.
The Maduro government has not reacted to Guaidó’s announcement on disbursing funds, and Venezuela’s information ministry did not respond to a request for comment from CNN.
Between those digital obstacles and Venezuela’s continuous power outages, actually getting the bonus is a grueling task, one doctor told CNN. “One of my colleagues couldn’t set up an account in the app because his internet is too bad. I don’t know what he’s going to do now,” the doctor said.
Some who received the money told CNN that they intend to spend it on personal protective equipment and food supplies. Venezuela’s hospitals regularly operate without basic services such as running water and electric power, much less oxygen and face masks.
But Venezuelan opposition and international human rights organizations have questioned the government’s capacity to collect health data, accusing Maduro of downplaying the crisis.
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