Cuban Intervention in South African Health Care Service Provision*

Abstract

This article considers the reasons for, and implications of, Cuban development assistance being provided to the South African health care system. The provision of skilled Cuban doctors to South Africa has been a feature of post-apartheid health care services. Under a series of bilateral agreements, over 450 Cuban doctors have taken placements in South Africa and over 250 South African medical students have undergone training in Cuba. The economic, political and symbolic incentives for this co-operation for both parties are considered against the costs incurred. Drawing upon historical links between the ANC and the Communist government in Cuba, this agreement provides both states with much-needed resources. It is shown that whilst short- to medium-term benefits outweigh the costs to both parties, questions remain over its sustainability. South Africa is drawing upon Cuban expertise in health care services to mitigate its shortage of health care staff whilst providing financial and symbolic capital to an anti-apartheid ally. In the long term, concerns exist over the sustainability of this agreement in a post-Castro Cuba, as well as restrictions on families accompanying doctors travelling to South Africa, and recent rulings over the possibility for Cuban doctors to remain in South Africa beyond their initial contract.