Health Systems: Research & Counselling

Why The Cuban Health Care System Is Being Exported

Health care is a crucial aspect of a person’s well being. The Cuban health care system is largely becoming among the standard that others should follow while investigating the governments role in paying for care. The health care system in Cuba is one that is unique in its own right. It is based mainly in the provision of primary care. In Cuba residents have access comprehensive health care. This system has led to a country that boasts a predominantly healthy people.

This health care system encapsulates very many components in the efforts of providing health services to its people. It starts with common sense practice whereby the people have access to doctors, nurses, specialists and medications. Doctors and nurses are assigned to neighborhoods and in case you do not like your doctor, you can choose another one. This trend is being followed by other countries.

The other key aspect in this system is the regular and routine house calls done by the doctors and nurses. This is because often many patients are unable to make it to the doctors’ offices or the clinics. Any incidence that cannot be catered by the neighborhood doctor is transferred to the polyclinics that provide specialists, outpatient services and operations, physical therapy and labs. Those in need of inpatient services are taken to general hospitals and after their treatment they are returned to their neighborhood by the neighborhood medical team. All doctors’ visits, medications, and treatments are paid for by the state.

This system has been directly responsible for a decrease in the infant mortality rate. Almost everyone has been vaccinated from diseases such as TB and malaria.

Due to the success of the system in Cuba a number of countries have welcomed their doctors and the skills they can impart. Currently there are over 14,000 of their doctors working overseas mainly in developing and poor countries. Many of these countries are in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. They are also involved in the training of medical personnel including nurses.