Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) warmly welcomes the Cuban Five to South Africa.

As relationship between South Africa began during the days of struggle for a democratic South Africa, DENOSA is happy that the solidarity between the two nations still has a space in their hearts.

On the health front, as we strive towards improving the lives and health of South African citizens, the role that Cuba plays in enrolling health professionals from South Africa will go a long way in realizing this vision. The Cuban health system is exemplary and a model for South African to emulate as we strive towards realization of National Health Insurance (NHI), which focuses on the primary health system.

The health system in Cuba is preventative in nature, and health professionals play a more significant role in the health of citizens. South Africa’s health system, on the other, is more curative which implies that it focuses on treating patients when they are on advanced stages of their illnesses, which is often impossible to reverse. This brings more economic burden on the state as more expensive medication gets bought for millions of patients who are on chronic medication.

As the country focuses on the re-engineering of its primary health care, the Cubans are masters in this area and the relationship between the two nations will mostly benefit South Africa as it seeks to strengthen its primary healthcare. 

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Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)