Much Vaunted Health System Continues to Crumble

Cuba's once much touted health system (supported by billions in Soviet aid) has long been a shadow of its former self, and it continues to crumble now that the Soviet funds have long dried up.

from a story in Spanish, from the center of Cuba:

Ranchuelo, Cuba, September 11, 2006
by Fleix Reyes Gutierrez, Cubanancan Press

Patients can not be diagonsed in clinics and hospitals of the province of Cienfuegos due to broken medical equipment and lack of personnel.

Approximately 20 persons suffering from neurological ailments were turned away from the Ranchelo municipal clinic this past September 6. They were told the diagnostic equipment was inoperative...

A few patients in critical condition had to be transferred to hospitals [in other cities].


i have previously described the acute shortage of doctors in Cuba.

as the Conference of Non-Aligned Nations meets in Havana, Cuban officials are sure to brag about their advances in, among other things, the health of the Cuban people.

of course, when the Cuban people themselves are allowed to speak, the story they tell is a different one, isn't it?