Rheumatology and care for the rheumatic diseases in cuba

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Public Health
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Cuba's healthcare system provides free medical assistance and social security.
• In 1995, 23.7% of pensioners were disabled, with over 50% of these disabilities stemming from rheumatic diseases.
• Public health expenditures were 1382.9 million pesos, with one rheumatologist per 150,000 inhabitants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the current state of rheumatological care and its challenges in Cuba.
• To highlight national efforts in managing rheumatic diseases, particularly in disabled elderly patients.
• To assess the role of arthroscopy and postgraduate training in Cuban rheumatology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national health statistics and public health expenditure.
• Review of postgraduate rheumatology training programs and outcomes.
• Examination of the utilization and development of arthroscopy.
• Overview of the roles played by the Cuban Rheumatological Society and the Cuban Action Program for the Attention of the Handicapped.

Main Results:

• 125 rheumatologists were trained over 12 years, improving the specialist ratio.
• Significant national focus on disabled elderly patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Arthroscopy has emerged as a key technique among Cuban rheumatologists.

Conclusions:

• The Cuban Rheumatological Society is actively training specialists and educating patients to mitigate the impact of rheumatic diseases.
• The development and objective evaluation of techniques like arthroscopy could inform international practices.
• Cuba's approach to managing rheumatic diseases in a resource-constrained environment offers valuable insights.