Tag Archives: Socialist Cuba

Shining Example of Cuba on Medical Help for Ebola Treatment

06 Saturday Dec 2014

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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)

The Status and Role of Women in Cuba

05 Sunday May 2013

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In the 28th April issue of Peoples Democracy, the weekly organ of CPI(M), there is an article by Com. Brinda Karat titled “Women, Workers and Changes in Cuba”. It explains the role of the women and their status in the society etc. I am giving some information which are contained in the article, which is based on the visit and experience in Cuba by the author. A comparison with the role and status of women in India will be educative.

  1. The first and last impression of Cuba is the presence of working women in every sphere from the security guards at the airport tarmac to the shop assistants, to the customs and immigration officers to those at the tourist desk to teachers in schools, doctors and nurses in hospitals. The women have the leading role in public offices, in every profession in public service and they have got economic independence. Women are safe in the streets of Cuba, in all places. They can travel day or night at any place at any time without fear about their security. Cuba does not need policing to protect its women; women and men together ensure that it is so.
  2. Women have equal status in the work place with men. They are given equal wages. The % of women various work-places are not less than men. In many areas they are more. For example, University enrolment – 60%, Graduates 62%, Scientists 58%, Health professionals 78%, Doctors 80%, Educational sector 60%, State sector jobs 48%. In judiciary also women are well represented.
  3. Rights and benefits of working women are ensured by the state. Working mothers have got crèche to leave their children during working hours, which are mostly free of charge, except for highly paid. Maternity leave four and half months with full salary. One years leave with 60% salary and another year of unpaid leave if required.
  4. Representation in elected bodies are ensured for women. They have got about 48.5% representation and out of 15 provinces, women head the government in 10.
  5. In the Central Committee of the Communist Party, which rules the country, 42% are women. 58 municipalities are headed by women.

The Socialist Cuba, despite the economic blockade by US for decades, has the best health care system in the world. The superiority of the socialist system compared to the capitalist system can be well understood from the experience of Cuba.