But Elian s care could be compromised by the effects of the U.S. embargo. According to medical professionals from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, shortages in medicines, equipment and foods stress the otherwise efficient system. The group went to see Cuban health care in action and meet with leaders in the medical community and Ministry of Public Health. They were shocked to see the effects of the U.S. embargo on medical care and operations. We found Cuban health and education to be global in nature, with a strong sense of community, said Nancy Klepper, program director for Saint Louis University Community and Family Medicine.
Emphasis is on the social and moral responsibility of health care.
Cuban medical professionals view health care as a human right, not as a commodity. The family doctor teams with a nurse to provide home visits, health education and natural remedies, all with an emphasis on prevention. But they are straddled with increased costs and limited opportunities to obtain what is essential to their patients welfare. From a humanitarian view, the embargo is immoral, said Sharon Frey, M.D., associate professor in the division of infectious diseases, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. The ban on U.S. exports of fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed and fuel is limiting the availability of food or diminishing its nutritional value, leading to dietary deficiencies.