The freedom to access health care… this is one freedom that Cubans do have that is seldomly given credit by critics in Washington. The Cuban government assumes fiscal and administrative responsibility for the health care of all of its citizens. Together with Havana’s medical diplomacy initiatives, this has made the country a perceived leader on health issues in the hemisphere.
Of course, there are (at least) two sides to every story. The “Left” tends to argue that Cubans are all privileged to have free and universal health care—a much better system for provision than that of the United States. The Right retorts that the quality of care Cubans receive is low, that there is a shortage of doctors and long waits for appointments and surgeries.
Here is one recent account that backs the former view; the benefit of a free health care system to Cubans is great. Citizens do not have to consider the cost of a serious surgery, and do not have to worry about a staggering bill for follow-up appointments and rehabilitation. And foreigners, even U.S. citizens, can study medicine in Cuba instead of trying to foot the enormous tuition expenses in this country.
But the questions left by a reader of this article are spot on: Does free healthcare justify not being able to leave your own country unless the government gives you permission?… not being able to express views that oppose those of the government?… not being able to earn a wage that reflects the work performed? (… and so on…)