COHFA | Global Languages Senior Colloquium

Presenter Information

Colin DalyFollow

Academic Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Spanish

Minor

Political Science

List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)

Dr. Ben Post; Dr. Tanya Romero González

Presentation Format

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Description

Colin Daly

MLA 400

Abstract

March 29, 2018

Dueling between Critics: The Cuban Healthcare System

Since Fidel Castro’s health started to deteriorate in 2008, and power was turned over to his brother Raul, many scholars have begun to reflect on his legacy. One area that has attracted considerable attention has been that of the healthcare system that Castro introduced and carried out after the revolution in 1959. Some scholars have cited and explained the positive effects, such as education of the needy, and the introduction of others have isolated the negative sides. Due to the freedom of expression restraints in Cuba, there has been a lack of literature published that delivers a balanced view of both the advantages and disadvantages of the Cuban health care system. This paper draws from multiple sources in order to show the reality of medical care in Cuba - a depleted infrastructure lacking basic equipment and medicine. The first part of the investigation provides context for the audience explaining the conditions of medical care in terms of the quality and quantity under the administration of Fulgencio Batista. The following section covers all of the contributions that Fidel Castro brought to the country despite the fact that he was facing an uphill battle because of the poor foundation left behind by Batista.

However, the paper goes on to illustrate how the achievements of Fidel Castro have been overpraised, and the truth of the health care system is that there are many negative aspects. This segment carries out the purpose of displaying these unsatisfactory characteristics with specific examples including the how the three-tier system has served only tourists and the elite Cuban class. The aim of my study is twofold: first, to explain the most relevant points on each side of the controversy; and second, to present a balanced picture of Castro’s legacy using sources from both sides of the debate.

Spring Scholars Week 2018 Event

Global Languages Senior Colloquium

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Dueling between Critics: The Cuban Healthcare System

Colin Daly

MLA 400

Abstract

March 29, 2018

Dueling between Critics: The Cuban Healthcare System

Since Fidel Castro’s health started to deteriorate in 2008, and power was turned over to his brother Raul, many scholars have begun to reflect on his legacy. One area that has attracted considerable attention has been that of the healthcare system that Castro introduced and carried out after the revolution in 1959. Some scholars have cited and explained the positive effects, such as education of the needy, and the introduction of others have isolated the negative sides. Due to the freedom of expression restraints in Cuba, there has been a lack of literature published that delivers a balanced view of both the advantages and disadvantages of the Cuban health care system. This paper draws from multiple sources in order to show the reality of medical care in Cuba - a depleted infrastructure lacking basic equipment and medicine. The first part of the investigation provides context for the audience explaining the conditions of medical care in terms of the quality and quantity under the administration of Fulgencio Batista. The following section covers all of the contributions that Fidel Castro brought to the country despite the fact that he was facing an uphill battle because of the poor foundation left behind by Batista.

However, the paper goes on to illustrate how the achievements of Fidel Castro have been overpraised, and the truth of the health care system is that there are many negative aspects. This segment carries out the purpose of displaying these unsatisfactory characteristics with specific examples including the how the three-tier system has served only tourists and the elite Cuban class. The aim of my study is twofold: first, to explain the most relevant points on each side of the controversy; and second, to present a balanced picture of Castro’s legacy using sources from both sides of the debate.