Cuban Health Model a Success in Kerala

Miguel Angel Ramirez, the Cuban ambassador to India praised the proper functioning of a pilot program in Trivandrum, applying the Cuban healthcare model. This model was introduced in 2008 by the Kerala Health Minister.

The Kerala based primary health centre (PHC) has implemented a Cuban concept of a polyclinic under which a specialist consultation is offered on a weekly basis. A population-based survey was held in the panchayat by ASHA woskers. Based on this survey the PHC has established a clinical registry. This data is being effectively utilized for implementing the non-communicable diseases surveillance program. This concept has a network of doctors serving specific communities. It is supported by nurses and social workers. The patients are sent with a daily schedule of medical specialties. The patients are registered and everyone's clinical history is computerized. Prevention and immunization campaigns are carried out accordingly. Treatment of the high risk population is based on the Cuban parameters.

The Polyclinic's director says, "All indicators of population health have improved due to this model." Treatment costs and referrals have been reduced as most of the cases are handled by the family physician at the grassroots level.

Source: Medindia