| The Cuban national health system is based on four premises: (1)the health of the population is a responsibility of the state; (2)health services should be available to all; (3)the community should play an active part in their own health programme; and (4)health services should be preventive and curative. Due to the importance of the rural sector, the development of a rural health care system is one of the main preoccupations of the Cuban government. The development of the rural health services began in 1960 with the promulgation of Law 723, which established the Postgraduate Social Medical Service. This law compels newly graduated physicians to practice full time for 1 year in the rural areas of the country. Similar legislation governs other health personnel such as dentists, medical technologists, etc. The rural hospital is the basic rural health unit providing health care to a population ranging from 5000 to 20000. It has between 10 and 40 beds, utilized mostly for infant delivery and health care, and is staffed by various levels of health personnel, including physicians, nurses' auxiliaries, and support staff. Medical posts, permanently staffed by a general practitioner, extend coverage to remote areas and generally serve a sector population of 3000-5000. Homes for expectant mothers, who may not make it to the hospital in time for delivery, and centres for children recuperating from the effects of malnutrition, complete the network of services. |