Fact Check: cuba has the best doctors in the world

The Claim: "Cuba has the best doctors in the world"

Introduction

The assertion that "Cuba has the best doctors in the world" is a bold claim that invites scrutiny. It suggests not only a high level of medical expertise among Cuban physicians but also implies a comparative superiority over doctors from other nations. This claim is often discussed in the context of Cuba's healthcare system, which is frequently lauded for its achievements in public health despite the country's economic challenges. However, the veracity of this statement warrants a careful examination of available evidence and expert opinions.

What We Know

1. Healthcare Achievements: Cuba has been recognized for achieving "first world" population health status, with significant indicators such as low infant mortality rates and high life expectancy, despite its limited economic resources 1. The country has a high ratio of healthcare professionals to the population, with approximately 1 doctor for every 118 residents 2.

2. Training and Education: Cuban physicians are trained in a system that emphasizes primary care and preventive medicine, with a robust educational infrastructure that includes numerous medical schools 2. This training has been noted for producing well-respected doctors 3.

3. Medical Diplomacy: Cuba has a long history of sending medical professionals abroad as part of its internationalist policies, which has garnered both praise and criticism. Proponents argue that this demonstrates the quality of Cuban medical training, while critics highlight issues such as forced labor conditions for these doctors 45.

4. Criticism of the System: Some sources argue that the Cuban healthcare system, while effective in certain metrics, is not without its flaws. Reports indicate that Cuban doctors often work under conditions that can be described as exploitative, with limited pay and harsh working conditions 45.

5. International Perception: The perception of Cuban doctors varies internationally. While some countries appreciate the medical assistance provided by Cuban doctors, others criticize the Cuban government's control over medical missions and the conditions under which these doctors operate 69.

Analysis

The claim that Cuba has the "best doctors in the world" is subjective and depends heavily on the criteria used for evaluation.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited include peer-reviewed articles 123 and reports from reputable organizations 56. However, some sources, such as the Harvard International Review 4, may carry a bias due to their critical stance on the Cuban government, which could influence their portrayal of the healthcare system.

• Methodology Concerns: The metrics for determining "best" doctors are not clearly defined in the claim. While Cuba excels in certain public health metrics, the quality of individual medical practice can vary widely. The reliance on quantitative health statistics does not necessarily equate to the qualitative assessment of medical practice.

• Conflicting Perspectives: Supporters of the Cuban healthcare system often cite its achievements in public health as evidence of superior medical training. However, critics point to systemic issues, including the conditions under which Cuban doctors work, as undermining the claim of superiority. The narrative surrounding Cuban medical missions often highlights both the altruistic aspects and the exploitative nature of these missions 59.

• Additional Context Needed: A more nuanced understanding would benefit from comparative studies that evaluate the training, practice conditions, and outcomes of Cuban doctors against those from other countries. Furthermore, insights from former Cuban doctors who have worked abroad could provide valuable perspectives on the quality of training and practice.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that "Cuba has the best doctors in the world" is largely subjective and lacks definitive evidence to support its absolute truth. While Cuba's healthcare system has achieved notable public health outcomes, such as low infant mortality rates and high life expectancy, these metrics do not necessarily translate to the assertion of having the "best" doctors globally. The quality of medical practice can vary significantly, and the conditions under which Cuban doctors operate raise concerns about the overall quality of care provided.

Moreover, the evidence is mixed, with some sources praising the training and dedication of Cuban physicians, while others highlight systemic issues that could undermine the claim of superiority. The reliance on quantitative health statistics without a qualitative assessment of individual medical practice adds to the uncertainty surrounding this assertion.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence and the subjective nature of the claim. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing the quality of medical professionals in any country.

Sources

1. Physicians, Population Health and the Cuban Paradox - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2645168/
2. Universal coverage and strategy of primary health care - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7934347/
3. The Curious Case of Cuba - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3464859/
4. Medical Servitude: The Other Side of Cuban Medical Diplomacy - Harvard International Review: https://hir.harvard.edu/medical-servitude-the-other-side-of-cuban-medical-diplomacy/
5. The truth about Cuba's medical missions - ShareAmerica: https://share.america.gov/truth-about-cubas-medical-missions/
6. Trump Cracks Down on Cuba and Its Medical Missions Around the World - The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/world/americas/trump-cuba-medical-missions-doctors.html
7. Cuban medical internationalism - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_medical_internationalism
8. Cuba’s primary health care revolution: 30 years on - WHO: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/270181/PMC2647439.pdf
9. How Cuba competes with Uncle Sam in the Caribbean islands - The Economist: https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2025/03/20/how-cuba-competes-with-uncle-sam-in-the-caribbean-islands
10. Is the Cuban healthcare system really as great as people claim? - The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/is-the-cuban-healthcare-system-really-as-great-as-people-claim-69526