America’s Health-Care System Could Learn from Cuba

[marmar]

from the Portland (ME) Press-Press Herald:


America’s Health-Care System Could Learn from Cuba
The difference between average lifespans and methods of delivering care is worth study.

by Leigh Donaldson


At a local polling place during the recent election, I signed a petition in support of universal health care.

But I did so in a perfunctory way, fully aware that I was going against the grain of countless Americans who don’t want to see our health-care system handled by government, preferring it to be privatized.

The arguments pro and con are boundless, but they don’t seem to address the reality that the United States has among the worst health care in the world. More and more of us simply can’t afford to be sick.

In his documentary “Sicko,” director Michael Moore portrays Cuba as a model for us to aspire toward. A socialist state that our administration shuns, this Caribbean island manages to implement progressive health ethics despite its otherwise impoverished conditions.

According to a Guardian Weekly article by Rory Carroll, “Whether it’s a consultation, dentures or open-heart surgery, (Cuban) citizens are entitled to free treatment.”

Thus, Cuba has better health indicators than its more prosperous neighbors. What does this say about the so-called wealthiest nation on the globe? .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story_pf.php?id=148510&ac=PHedi

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Thanks for posting this

using the fact that Cubans are healthier goes far in saying "socialized medicine" might not be a bad thing.