Sheinbaum and the Cuban medical miracle that (supposedly) no one else has
In a turn that no one saw coming (or yes, we all saw it coming), President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has decided that the next big bet of her administration in terms of health will not be, what do I know, strengthening national medical research or producing generics, but rather massively importing a Cuban medicine for diabetic foot. Because, apparently, in the entire vast and complex globalized world, only the Caribbean island has managed to decipher the secret code to avoid amputations. How convenient.
From the majestic National Palace, in her now traditional morning conference, our president made the announcement with the solemnity of someone revealing a state secret. No, there is no investment with Cuba in energy or mining (have they run out of ideas or oil?), but hey! We have this other thing. Sheinbaum, with the conviction of a televangelist, praised the attention of Cuban doctors in Mexico, which, he assures us, “and will continue.” Because, of course, why change a formula that generates so many… ahem… fruitful debates?
The magic elixir and the chronicle of an announced collaboration
According to the official narrative, Cuba not only has a miracle drug, but an entire “care scheme” that is, and we quote verbatim, “very successful.” Thank goodness he clarified it! For a moment we thought they were promoting a mediocre scheme. It turns out that there are already some pilot clinics using this methodology in the IMSS-Bienestar centers, because what could be better than testing foreign treatments on the most vulnerable population, right? Everything is for science.
The justification is, as always, impeccable in its simplicity: the problem of diabetic foot is increasing. So instead of perhaps wondering why on earth it is on the rise or how to prevent diabetes itself, the logical solution is to look for a unique product abroad. And, oh coincidence, the only place that has it is a historic political ally. What a coincidence! It’s almost as if the universe conspires in favor of diplomacy.
Sheinbaum was quick to highlight the “continuity” of the island’s specialists, arguing that they are one of the few countries willing to send doctors to Mexico. One wonders: is it because of an overwhelming vocation for solidarity or because the Mexican government pays generously for their services, which indirectly injects much-needed foreign currency into the Cuban economy? But no, that would be being cynical. She assures that no Mexican doctor is replaced, but rather complemented. Of course, because for too many years, he reminds us, specialists were no longer trained. A problem that, apparently, is better solved by importing labor than by investing in national education in the long term. Pure logic.
The climax of this comedy came when a brave journalist (yes, they still exist) asked the million-dollar question: “There are those who say that this is to finance the Cuban dictatorship. Isn’t that so?” The president’s response was a masterpiece of political evasion: “They can say what they want, but the truth is that they are helping the poorest.” Touch. With a single movement, he disqualifies criticism as malicious gossip and wraps himself in the banner of charity. Next move? Probably announce that we will also import the best rum in the world to cure sadness.
Thus, Mexico is preparing for a new era of medical collaboration with Cuba, where the health of the most needy depends on a unique treatment that only one nation possesses. Because in the fascinating world of health geopolitics, sometimes charity begins at home…someone else.
Did you find this gem of medical diplomacy interesting?Share it on your social networks and tell us what you think of these… ahem… “strategic collaborations”. And be sure to explore more content related to the most peculiar health policies of our time.
