Socialist Cuba is a small island nation with 1.1 crore population, which is under economic blockade by the US and other imperialist countries for the last five decades or more putting it under great pressure.

But it is the country which has been in the forefront of helping the West Africa, affected by the fatal Ebola disease. There are already 256 doctors and nurses and another 200 volunteers are already on the way. One of the Cuban doctors has contracted  Ebola. This is the biggest contingent of medical team from any country to reach and treat Ebola patients. Even, Cuba’s arch rival, US, has to appreciate the medical work being done by Cuba in W.Africa.

This is not the first time that Cuba has been helping patients in other countries. Whether it is the Haiti earthquake or the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, it was Cuba, which sent thousands of medical workers to help. It is stated that there are about 50,000 Cuban doctors and nurses working in 60 developing countries.

It is accepted by all that the best health care and system is in Cuba. I had the chance to visit a Medical College Hospital  in Cuba, when I visited the country to attend the Congress of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) in 2005. The arrangements and systems there were excellent. The Doctors explained in detail about these. We were also told that a large number of students from nearby countries are studying in the Medical College with out paying any fees. The only condition is that after returning to their own countries, they have to serve in the villages/ rural areas.

We have to congratulate and appreciate the Socialist Cuba and its government for their excellent service to  the humanity. (With input from article in Hindu dated 06-12-2014 by Seumas Milne)