The Intact Public Health Care System in Cuba: An Exploration of its Motivations and Transferability

Cuba has the highest average life expectancy and lowest ratios of physicians to patients per capita, as well as the lowest infant and child mortality rates among 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries. This paper will answer the research questions, “what lessons can be learned from the Cuban health care system”, and “can its success be attributed to its unique economic and social context, or can it be transferred to other countries?” With the strong commitment to public health care and faced with limited resources and economic isolation, Cuba has maximized its capability with systemic efficiency and the education of its given population. This paper will begin with an overview of Cuba’s Political, Social and Economic Context. Then, it will discuss key emerging themes and assessments of Cuban Health Care System; financing, medical products, human resources, health service delivery and health information system. This paper will then provide policy responses and outcomes and offer analysis and policy implications. Then, policy recommendations will be provided. Lastly, the paper will discuss the prospect of Cuba’s health care system given the situation that the US has recently lifted its embargo on Cuba that Cuba is not in economic isolation anymore with the recognition of Cuba’s increasing geopolitical influence in the world through medical services.