Spent some time at a medical library this past week, and found an interesting reference to Cuban medicine. It's pretty well known that they have the best medical care in the world. They're very proud of it. What surprised me is that acupuncture and traditional remedies are integrated into their health care.
Anyone have details about this? Thanks.
From what I understand....
I dont know if they have the best care, but possibly the best bang for there buck. For the amount of money they spend per person, it is an amazing system. That being said, some countries in Europe have amazing "free" medical care systems as well, but they spend more per person.
Sicko was an intresting movie, and highlighted some difference in world care, (but it didnt go deep enough to talk about some of the real issues).
What I find amazing about Cuba, is there willingness to try and spread there medical care system to other places in the world. "Some" americans might read "socialism" here, but as a canadian, I see "medical for less money":
I think it is a stretch to say Cuba has THE best medical system in the world. Granted, they have a very good education system, and in Latin America their doctors are second to none. I would also say that Cuba, the U.S., Canada, various European countries, all have strengths and weaknesses in terms of medical care. But, in all cases it makes a medical system stronger when the "best of both worlds" are integrated in terms of biomedical and traditional medical systems playing nice together. It's a win-win for patients and practitioners. But, here in the U.S. the medical-capitalist complex has a vested interest in keeping profits high. That's tough to do when you can cure a case of IBS or infertility with a treatment that costs $700 - $800 (for some acupuncture treatments and herbs) vs. one that can cost in the 10's of thousands (i.e. IVF / surgery / expensive drugs). The result is that acupuncturists are generally marginalized and kept very far away from the institutions of mainstream medicine.
Of course, we all know that there are many cases where biomedical treatment IS the best option, and that not all cases can be cured by acupuncture and TCM. However, it would be so nice if TCM could be explored as an option early on in the process, from within the conventional medical institutions (i.e. hospitals, clinics), rather than as a last resort after all else fails. But, once again, profit motive can be a real beast to let go of for those at the top of the ivory tower.
Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L. Ac., M.M.Q.
Houston, TX
I've always heard good things about Cuba, especially from my friends studying Spanish.
After lookin at a few articles, it appears that even Cuba has a profit motive - they get a lot of hard currency through "medical tourism." Somehow I doubt that they use acupuncture as a treatment modality for the medical tourists.
Burton Kent
AcupunctureClinicMarketing.com
Joined: 2007-07-23