Exploring Cuba’s Healthcare System and International Medical Missions
TL/DR –
The author traveled to Cuba with the National Single Payer organization and visited healthcare institutions in Havana and Matanzas. During a visit to the University of Medical Sciences in Matanzas, they found that a large number of faculty members had participated in international medical missions in countries including Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Venezuela, and Yemen. The author also learned about the challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to the US embargo, with occasional blackouts and shortages of medical equipment and medicines affecting the healthcare service.
Exploring Cuba’s Healthcare System with National Single Payer Delegation
In December, I journeyed to Cuba with the National Single Payer organization, aiming to establish a comprehensive, government-funded healthcare system in the US. We toured several healthcare institutions in Havana and Matanzas, the province’s capital.
At the University of Medical Sciences in Matanzas, I discovered that most of the faculty had proudly partaken in international medical missions in countries like Angola, Brazil, Ghana, and Yemen. This stood out against the US propaganda alleging these missions were akin to “human trafficking” and the medical professionals were “slaves”.
While it’s true that the Cuban doctors don’t receive the full payment for their services abroad, they continue to earn their Cuban salaries and receive a foreign currency stipend. This is far from the “slavery” or “human trafficking” claims made by US government, which seem to be part of a broader economic war against Cuba.
Human Rights Watch criticizes Cuba’s restrictions on healthcare professionals abroad. Nevertheless, the US’ “medical parole program,” aimed at weakening Cuba’s medical system, forces Cuba to maintain strict rules.
Unraveling the Story of the “Cuban Five”
The “Cuban Five,” Cuban intelligence officers arrested in 1998 in Miami, were key figures in the fight against Cuban American groups attacking Cuba. Their arrests came after they reported planned terrorist acts by these groups to US authorities. Their release in 2014 marked a significant turn in US-Cuban relations.
Experiencing Cuba’s Healthcare System
We visited various healthcare institutions in Havana and Matanzas, witnessing the effectiveness of Cuba’s healthcare system. Despite occasional blackouts and shortage of medical supplies due to the US embargo, the healthcare providers managed to provide comprehensive and personalized treatment.
Our experiences in Cuba highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to the US embargo. The Saving Lives Campaign helped mitigate the issue, sending 6 million syringes and 300 pacemakers to Cuba in 2021. However, the US embargo continues to affect Cuba’s ability to provide care.
For US citizens interested in changing these policies, consider visiting the Alliance for Cuba Engagement and Respect website. With potential for more aggressive sanctions under a potential Trump administration’s second term, continuing dialogue and engagement is critical.
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