The World of Medicine-Cuban Docs in the News Haiti

[LeeE]

A while back I posted a thread, mentioning the idea of possibly utilizing medical expertise from countries that export docs to country's that have difficulty providing health care to their citizens. I singled out Cuba, as they are known for their medical philanthropy, so to speak.

Well, here they are again, in the UK press, The Independent and the article makes for fascinating reading. I wasn't able to locate the original thread I posted here and I'm only posting this for informational purposes.

Rense.com posted the link to this article.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/...69415.html

Here's a couple of quotes.

"Cuban medics in Haiti put the world to shame

Castro's doctors and nurses are the backbone of the fight against cholera

By Nina Lakhani
Sunday, 26 December 2010

They are the real heroes of the Haitian earthquake disaster, the human catastrophe on America's doorstep which Barack Obama pledged a monumental US humanitarian mission to alleviate. Except these heroes are from America's arch-enemy Cuba, whose doctors and nurses have put US efforts to shame.

A medical brigade of 1,200 Cubans is operating all over earthquake-torn and cholera-infected Haiti, as part of Fidel Castro's international medical mission which has won the socialist state many friends, but little international recognition...."

"...In fact, Cuban healthcare workers have been in Haiti since 1998, so when the earthquake struck the 350-strong team jumped into action. And amid the fanfare and publicity surrounding the arrival of help from the US and the UK, hundreds more Cuban doctors, nurses and therapists arrived with barely a mention. Most countries were gone within two months, again leaving the Cubans and Médecins Sans Frontières as the principal healthcare providers for the impoverished Caribbean island...."

"...John Kirk is a professor of Latin American studies at Dalhousie University in Canada who researches Cuba's international medical teams. He said: "Cuba's contribution in Haiti is like the world's greatest secret. They are barely mentioned, even though they are doing much of the heavy lifting."..."

"...Wherever they are invited, Cubans implement their prevention-focused holistic model, visiting families at home, proactively monitoring maternal and child health. This has produced "stunning results" in parts of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, lowering infant and maternal mortality rates, reducing infectious diseases and leaving behind better trained local health workers, according to Professor Kirk's research.

Medical training in Cuba lasts six years – a year longer than in the UK – after which every graduate works as a family doctor for three years minimum. Working alongside a nurse, the family doctor looks after 150 to 200 families in the community in which they live.

This model has helped Cuba to achieve some of the world's most enviable health improvements, despite spending only $400 (£260) per person last year compared with $3,000 (£1,950) in the UK and $7,500 (£4,900) in the US, according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development figures...."





Aloha,
Lee
http://members.cruzio.com/~lionel/event

[Radiopeg]

Yeah, I seem to remember the US turning down medical help from Cuba after Katrina.

Life goes on, with you or without you.

[Rob Tucker]

I seem to recall that Punaweb is to be related to Puna or Hawaii. While Cuban doctors in Haiti are laudable you need to relate this to Puna or Hawaii somehow or I shall have to retire the topic.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[LeeE]

Rob, I posted it as a followup to my earlier post, suggesting that the County in general and Puna specifically, might look at what other countries may have to offer us in the way of help, providing health care.

I think everyone would agree that in this area, we are, "under served".

[Markie]

Cuba has given full scholarships to their medical schools to people from all over the world, including the United States. In return, they need to promise to practice medicine in under-served areas. Maybe we could get some here.

Markie

[LeeE]

Markie, It's an idea that merits consideration, imho. Perhaps there are other countries as well, that are this generous in their efforts along these lines?

Our economic/political system doesn't support universal health care. So, perhaps the County could look into what the options might be. With all due respect, when I look at the lamestream media, or, if you prefer, "oil soaked monopoly press", it looks to me very much like what you might call a "Red, White and Blue Curtain".

I'm sure that given, "political realities", this would probably be verboten for us, but since at least one nation is now in the news for providing this kind of service to humanity, I thought pointing it out may at least be worth a thought.

Aloha,
Lee
http://members.cruzio.com/~lionel/event

[Bullwinkle]

I wonder if reaching out directly to Cuba - kind of a medical " Hawaii / Cuba sister city program " would gain traction as a person to person endevour. May be a good way to shame the politicos into providing a framework for better local health care

[LeeE]

Bullwinkle, That's just what I was thinking. I know it's not a realistic idea, but I thought the same thing. I was going to talk with Emily about it, back when. Not sure if it would be Fred's cup of tea.

Could you imagine if a sister city relationship could actually happen, with medical personnel providing free services? In a nation where we are regularly encouraged to think of socialist countries as "bad", it would make for some interesting headlines nationally and could change the face of Puna healthcare for the better. I'm sure the clinic wouldn't mind a full time doctor on staff.

Much as I would like to see expanded, free healthcare here, it's probably just a pipe dream. I would think they'd consider helping us, if our politicians would allow the curtain to be lifted a bit.

Anyway, it's an interesting idea, eh?

Aloha,
Lee
http://members.cruzio.com/~lionel/event