Health Care in Latin America – It’s Better than You Think
The author of this article gives a general overview on the health care system “south of the border.” Using Mexico as a point of reference for the rest of Latin American health care, she takes the reader through the typical doctor’s visit by sharing her own experience with different types of medical and dental procedures she and her family had received. The author reflects on the costs of medical visits, doctor competence, and effective communication.
Gray, Claire. “Health Care in Latin America – It’s Better Than You Think.” Escape Artist. 21 July 2009. http://www.escapeartist.com/efam17/LatinAmerican_HealthCare.html
Health Care System in Venezuela
Venezuela’s health care system has undergone various changes over the past several decades which have led to a stronger nation with a more dependable healthcare system. Poverty in Venezuela is extensive and the country is “ravaged” by different kinds of diseases like typhoid, yellow fever, etc. Numerous measures have been taken implemented to eradicate this problem. In 2003, President Hugo Chavez welcomed thousands of Cuban doctors to look for gaps in the health care system. Now that Venezuela is gaining economic power through its possession of vast oil resources, it has the opportunity to spend large amounts of funds and resources to fix the public health care sector throughout the country.
Soman, Ebey. “Healthcare system in Venezuela.” Health Mad. 20 Dec 2008.21 July 2009. http://healthmad.com/healthcare-industry/health-care-system-in-venezuela/
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, but poverty rates in Brazil are at an “unacceptably high”rate. Poverty-stricken Brazilians live in substandard conditions and face various social challenges, including a lack of education, housing, health care and nutrition. The effects of this can be how poverty pushes these children into work, and away from education.
Articles Base. “Poverty in Brazil.” ArticlesBase. 7 July 2009. 23 July 2009. http://www.articlesbase.com/economics-articles/poverty-in-brazil-1019946.html
Cuba has experienced a huge breakthrough in medical practices and other areas in the health care system. The Cuban health care system is producing a population that is as healthy as those of the world’s wealthiest countries, at a fraction of the cost. Citizens have access to doctors, nurses, specialists, and medications. There is a doctor and nurse team in every neighborhood, creating greater access to medical care all over the country. Cuba has been “exporting healthcare” by sending doctors and trained international students to many countries, to be of service where it is required. They are committed to helping others and the doctors’ attitudes are centered on serving the community, leaving ambition aside. The article also explains how this attitude goes on to be a great source for peacebuilding.
Van Gelder, Sarah. “Cuba’s Cure.” Yes! 11 May 2007. 23 July 2009. http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/latin-america-rising/1733
EE.UU.: Senado Inicia Debate Sobre Salud
El Senado de Estados Unidos inició este lunes el polémico debate sobre su versión de un proyecto de ley de reforma al sistema de servicios de salud del país. El enfoque del dialogo es como proporcionar seguro medico a millones de Estadounidenses que lo faltan. La gran mayoría de los Latinos del país que fueron encuestados han dicho que la atención médica debería estar disponible independientemente del estatus migratorio de las personas y apoyan el plan de reforma a la salud que incluye una opción pública.
Facundo, Marcia. “EE.UU.: Senado Inicia Debate Sobre Salud.” BBC Mundo. 1 Dec 2009. 14 Dec 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/internacional/2009/12/091130_0206_salud_hispanos_lf.shtml
Wolfensohn: “Más” Contra La Pobreza
El ex-presidente del Banco Mundial, James Wolfensohn, advirtió que si no se toman medidas decisivas este año, no podrán alcanzarse las metas internacionales para combatir la pobreza, conocidas como Objetivos del Milenio. Mientras las principales iniciativas que se discuten en Washington son el alivio de la deuda, mayor ayuda y mejores oportunidades comerciales para las naciones desfavorecidas, el Sr. Wolfensohn declaro que hay una gran falta de recursos dedicados a mejorar la educación primaria. “La verdad, sencillamente, es que si no avanzamos este año, podemos despedirnos de los Objetivos del Milenio y de cualquier otro intento serio de desarrollo”, dijo Wolfensohn.
BBC Mundo. “Wolfensohn: “Más” Contra La Pobreza.” BBC Mundo. 17 Apr 2005. 14 Dec 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/business/newsid_4454000/4454557.stm