Comparative Foreign Policies of Cuba, Costa Rica, and the U.S.A: The Case of Health Care Policy and Outcomes

The United States currently runs an inefficient and expensive healthcare system that provides limited support for its citizens. The problem stems from placing economic benefit miles in front of practical wellness of its people. Other countries, some considered “third world”, have done the reverse. Ironically, those countries have been internationally recognized over the U.S. when unfolding the quality of health care. Cuba and Costa Rica are nations of distinct economic principle and policy; yet, they share very similar qualities in public health ideology that have made them poster children of health care.
Cuban Health Care Apart from being a country with rich history and culture, Cuba is one of the international frontrunners for ideal health care due to its major efforts to revamp their health care policy. Its care spans the majority of its citizens and it provides excellent quality. The Cuban government has an established national health system where it is fiscally responsible for its operation and support to all of its citizens (Merz, 2005). As government-run entity through the Ministry of Health, there are no private hospitals or clinics where doctors and pharmaceutical companies can wager large sums of profit (Merz, 2005).
Before the Spanish conquest, Cuba already practiced traditional medicine provided by Bohiques. After the Spanish colonization, the Moors influenced health customs that predisposed medical practices. Cuba also has medical traditions stemming from ancient Egyptians and Chinese medicine (Finlay Medical Society, 2000). During the 19th century, Cham Bom Biam provided medical aid using Chinese healing techniques. He was nationally known as El Medico Chino. Needless to say, Cuba is now highly influenced by Western medicine. In