World Health Org Praises Cuba Achievements

Geneva (PL) - The World Health Organization recognized the achievements of Cuban public health, which is based on primary care and demonstrates extraordinary health indexes.

A bulletin released on the WHO web page reported that inhabitants enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world at 77.

It also notes that in 2004 there were seven deaths per 100,000 children under the age of five.

The document explains that the main foundation of the Cuban health system relies on more than 450 policlinics in the country each attending from 30,000 to 60,000 persons.

These institutions work in coordination with about 20 to 40 family doctor and nurse offices and are accredited in research and teaching of medical and nursing students as well as other fields of health, the report emphasizes.

The policlinics are undergoing large changes, many receiving renovations to add services that were only available in the hospitals.

Currently most offer 22 services that include emergencies, rehabilitation, X rays, ultrasound, optometry, radiology, endoscopic tests, clinical laboratory, family planning, immunization and infant mother attention, diabetes and geriatrics, it adds.

Other specialties includes dermatology, psychiatry, cardiology as well as internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology.