Social Relations and the Cuban Health Miracle

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Social Services & Welfare, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Social Relations and the Cuban Health Miracle by Elizabeth Kath, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Elizabeth Kath ISBN: 9781351489638
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 8, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Elizabeth Kath
ISBN: 9781351489638
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 8, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

For Cuba's supporters, health is the most commonly cited evidence of the socialist system's success. Even critics often concede that this is the country's saving grace. Cuba's health statistics are indeed extraordinary. This small island outperforms virtually all of its neighboring countries and all countries of the same level of economic development. Some of its health statistics rival wealthy industrialized countries. Moreover, these health outcomes have resulted against all odds. Setting out to unravel this puzzle, the author finds that Cuba possesses an unusually high level of popular participation and cooperation in the implementation of health policy. This has been achieved with the help of a longstanding government that prioritizes public health, and has enough political influence to compel the rest of the community to do the same. On the other hand, popular participation in decision-making regarding health policy is minimal, which contrasts with the image of popular participation often promoted. Political elites design and impose health policy, allowing little room for other health sector groups to meaningfully contribute to or protest official decisions. This is a problem because aspects of health care that are important to those who use the system or work within it can be neglected if they do not fit within official priorities. The author remains, overall, supportive of health achievement in Cuba. The country's preventive arrangements, its collective prioritization of key health areas, the improvements in public access to health services through the expansion of health facilities and the provision of free universal care are among the accomplishments that set it apart. The sustainability and progress of these achievements, however, must involve open recognition and public discussion of weaker aspects of the health system.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For Cuba's supporters, health is the most commonly cited evidence of the socialist system's success. Even critics often concede that this is the country's saving grace. Cuba's health statistics are indeed extraordinary. This small island outperforms virtually all of its neighboring countries and all countries of the same level of economic development. Some of its health statistics rival wealthy industrialized countries. Moreover, these health outcomes have resulted against all odds. Setting out to unravel this puzzle, the author finds that Cuba possesses an unusually high level of popular participation and cooperation in the implementation of health policy. This has been achieved with the help of a longstanding government that prioritizes public health, and has enough political influence to compel the rest of the community to do the same. On the other hand, popular participation in decision-making regarding health policy is minimal, which contrasts with the image of popular participation often promoted. Political elites design and impose health policy, allowing little room for other health sector groups to meaningfully contribute to or protest official decisions. This is a problem because aspects of health care that are important to those who use the system or work within it can be neglected if they do not fit within official priorities. The author remains, overall, supportive of health achievement in Cuba. The country's preventive arrangements, its collective prioritization of key health areas, the improvements in public access to health services through the expansion of health facilities and the provision of free universal care are among the accomplishments that set it apart. The sustainability and progress of these achievements, however, must involve open recognition and public discussion of weaker aspects of the health system.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Theology Goes to the Movies by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Ethics and Children's Literature by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book North Korea - US Relations under Kim Jong II by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Japan and the shaping of post-Vietnam War Southeast Asia by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Textbook of Psychology (Psychology Revivals) by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Workforce Readiness by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book College For Sale by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Learning and Forgetting in Development NGOs by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Atheist Exceptionalism by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Design Quality in New Housing by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Legal Approaches and Corporate Social Responsibility by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Enhancing Intimacy in Marriage by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book China's Governance Model by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Ireland in Transition, 1867-1921 by Elizabeth Kath
Cover of the book Port Cities in Asia and Europe by Elizabeth Kath
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy