Cuba and Embargo Essay Example

may be denied US visas. Supporters believed that such measures would hasten Castro's downfall. Despite debates on the effects of the embargo on humanitarian rights and Cuba's economy, it still limits subsidiary trade, licensing, shipping, and humanitarian aid according to the Close Up Foundation. Subsidiary trade was banned in 1992 preventing importation of medicines and medical supplies from other countries while corporate mergers between U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies have allowed for more business opportunities with Cuba but individual sales for humanitarian purposes remain difficult due to strict licensing provisions. According to some US corporate executives, healthcare impacts caused by the embargo on Cuba have worsened instead of improved. Shipping restrictions were implemented since 1992 which prevent ships from unloading in US ports for 180 days after delivering cargo to Cuba.Due to increased shipping costs, delivering medical equipment has become less cost-effective, resulting in a decrease of food, medicines and medical supplies flowing into Cuba. To combat this, Cuba has resorted to importing medical goods from Asia, South America and Europe as an alternative to free trade. However, the US imposes licensing issues and restrictions on subsidiary trade and humanitarian aid which have delayed charitable contributions. Consequently, malnutrition and poor water quality are prevalent due to limited access to treatment chemicals and spare parts; insufficient medicines and equipment; outdated medical information leading to epidemics such as neuropathy caused by nutritional deficiencies aggravated by the ban on American foodstuffs; mortality rates rising due to unsafe drinking water causing water-borne diseases. Despite the challenges posed by decades-long trade embargoes from both the US and Soviet Union's aid programs coming to an end, foreign investors see great potential

in entering the Cuban market. Canadian businesses benefit from lack of competition from their US counterparts with pharmaceutical companies, mining companies and hotel chains seizing business opportunities while American investors are left behind due to the embargo aimed at ousting Castro from power.The economy in Cuba has worsened, resulting in Cuban citizens facing issues such as mass unemployment, hunger, and insufficient wages. As a result, some have turned to illegal means or rely on money sent by relatives abroad to buy basic necessities like meat. Market vendors argue that denying these essential items is cruel and inhumane while supporters believe that isolating Cuba weakens support for Castro's regime.

Recent false accusations were made about U.S policy regarding medical supplies which Nicholas Burns addressed with a clarification press statement stating Fidel Castro played a significant role. Supporters overlook crucial details like The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 allowing companies and their subsidiaries to sell medicine and medical equipment to Cuba. Despite claims from corporate executives that licensing provisions are challenging, it's important to acknowledge that the U.S did not create Cuba's healthcare system and cannot be solely held accountable for its shortcomings.

Castro's approach mainly benefits a privileged group instead of the majority, leading to an unequal healthcare system where subpar care is accessible to most while senior Communist Party officials and those who can afford it receive exceptional medical treatment. Nevertheless, the US offered over $150 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba surpassing the amount of foreign aid given during that time.The medical system in Cuba is divided into two tiers, resulting in medical discrimination that deprives many Cubans of proper funding while directing resources towards services

for only a few. After losing Soviet subsidies, Cuba established special hospitals with floors reserved exclusively for foreigners who pay in hard currency to receive high-quality modern care. However, these decisions worsened average Cuban healthcare as the government allocated resources selectively. Despite earning $110 million and $125 million through exports in 1994 and 1995 respectively, this money was not used to support their healthcare system but rather subsidize biomedical research programs at the expense of primary care facilities. Burns recently commented on how Cuban doctors arriving in the US were surprised by accusations from the American Association for World Health, claiming that their country's public health situation was caused by the US embargo. These doctors have firsthand experience working within Cuba's healthcare system. Burns also mentions Dr.Hilda Molina, founder of Havana International Center for Neurological Restoration, who resigned from her position after refusing to perform neural transplant operations without proper testing and follow-up visits.Molina, a former member of the national legislature who was awarded medals by Fidel Castro for her work, returned her medals in protest of the fact that only foreigners were receiving medical treatment. This demonstrates that even those in high positions see flaws within the Castro government. In 1997, the US granted visas to 21 Cuban medical doctors to attend medical congresses or visit medical institutions like the Center for Disease Control, John Hopkins University/Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, and American Academy of Neurology (Parkinson's Disease). Since natural science researchers employed as doctors in Cuba's medical facilities were given visas in 1996, the US has made efforts to educate and promote advances in medical research throughout Cuba. Although Cuba received $5 billion

annually from subsidies provided by the Soviet Union, it directed much of its funding towards military expenses instead of economic reforms. This led to economic struggles which were not solely caused by the US embargo but also resulted from lack of subsidies following collapse of the Soviet Union. As a result, under Castro's government Cuba prioritized healthcare system costs over economic reforms and increased spending on military efforts. It is important to note that past reliance on corrupt government practices and financial support from the Soviet Union partially contributed to negative impacts of US embargo on Cuba's health and economy.In spite of some aid being given, Cuba's true liberation can only be achieved by implementing governmental reform. For Castro to improve conditions for his people and lift the embargo, he must take necessary steps towards change. This bibliography comprises various sources such as USA Info-med Health News From Cuba (2000), Denial of Food and Medicine (1997) report by American Association for World Health, The U.S. Embargo and Healthcare in Cuba (1997) publication by Nicholas Burns' U.S. Department of State, Trade Embargo In and Castro Out from December 12th, 1996 article by Vasquez and Rodriguez, a report on U.S.-Cuban relations by the U.S. State Department from 1999 found at http://www.state.gov/www/regions/wha/cuba/policy.html as well as http://www.cato.org/dailys/12-12-96.html. Additionally, Garfield and Santana's "The Impact of the Economic Crisis and the US Embargo on Health in Cuba," published in the American Journal of Public Health is another source exploring how health has been affected due to both economic crisis and embargo; accessible through http://www.usaengage.org/news/9701ajph.html.