Cuban doctors, nurses to aid victims of Nepal quake

Cuba Thursday readied a 48-member medical brigade for travel to Nepal to help victims of a deadly earthquake that has claimed more than 8,000 lives so far.

The April 25 strong temblor has also left more than 16,300 wounded, Havana-based news agency Prensa Latina said.

Twenty-two of the group are specialized doctors who have been stationed overseas before on similar solidarity missions.

The brigade travels with a field hospital containing a surgical unit, an intensive care unit, diagnostic equipment, including X- ray and ultrasound machines, and sterilization equipment.

Cuba most recently sent contingents of 256 doctors and nurses to help control the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The Caribbean island nation is renowned worldwide for its international medical cooperation in instances of natural disasters or epidemics.

At present, there are more than 50,000 Cuban doctors and healthcare workers stationed in 60 countries.

The Nepal Red Cross Society Thursday placed the death toll at 8, 413; hundreds remain missing.