       Document 0920
 DOCN  M9620920
 TI    Cuba: plenty of care, few condoms, no corruption.
 DT    9602
 AU    Veeken H; Medecins Sans Frontieres, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
 SO    BMJ. 1995 Oct 7;311(7010):935-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96011319
 AB    The health system in Cuba guarantees accessibility to the entire
       population, is free of charge, and covers the spectrum from vaccinations
       to sophisticated interventions. The results are impressive: Cuba's
       health figures are on a par with developed countries that have 20 times
       the budget. The country is experiencing a difficult period because of
       the collapse and loss of support from the Soviet Union; over 30 years'
       trade embargo by the United States; and the gradual change from a
       centrally planned economy towards more of a free market system.
       Shortages are experienced in every sector, and maintaining health care
       services at the current level is too expensive. Doctors and nurses
       continue to work towards the goal of health for all Cubans, even though
       their salaries are minimal. Signs of negligence or corruption, often
       seen in other socialist countries where incentives for output are
       lacking, are unknown. Topics such as family planning and AIDS deserve
       immediate attention.
 DE    Cuba  *Delivery of Health Care/ORGANIZATION & ADMIN  Health Care
       Rationing  Health Promotion  Health Services/ORGANIZATION & ADMIN
       Health Services Accessibility  Human  HIV Infections/THERAPY  Sex
       Behavior  State Medicine  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

