Abstract

MARIMON TORRES, Néstor  and  MARTINEZ CRUZ, Evelyn. Protection of the Cuban public health achievements in the face of the world economic and financial crisis. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2010, vol.36, n.4, pp. 337-348. ISSN 1561-3127.

Objectives To analyze the impact of the world economic and financial crisis on the national healthcare system, and the required preparedness for preserving (protecting) and keeping its achievements. Methods Documentary-type descriptive qualitative research. Documents and publications related to this issue were reviewed. Results The financial crisis has severe impact on the population's health. It was demonstrated that the best way to face these negative effects is to develop more equitable and solidarity primary care-based health systems with adequate approach to social determinants and suitable level of investment in the formation of human resources fitted with ethical and moral values. The unique healthcare system and the new model of medical formation in Cuba is an example that confirms the above-mentioned statements. Conclusions The world financial and economic crisis affects health; therefore, health systems with universal coverage are required to reach the suggested goals. The Cuban experience gained in previous crisis demonstrates that a country needs social investment to improve health and its determinants, and to face and mitigate the effects of such crisis. International solidarity is needed, sharing of learned lessons and unity of actions to face the consequences are required. The economic and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the US government reinforces the negative effects of the global economic crisis.

Keywords : Economic crisis; health systems, primary health care; social determinants; human resources; solidarity; economic and commercial blockade; equity; Cuba.

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