Edelso explaining how the clinic works and their innovations.

The polyclinic in Cienaga de Zapata is a testament of Cuba's priorities and values. Contrary to many healthcare systems in the Global North, the polyclinic is free of charge for everyone as they not only view healthcare as a fundamental need but also as a right.

Moreover, the system as a whole emphasized solidarity. For instance, prospective medical students are all required to spend time in their municipality learning and understanding the needs of their community. Moreover, since they have a high number of doctors they lend help outside of their borders to foster international solidarity. However, they also have a mechanism in place to ensure that whoever is leaving for international medical services is not needed in the community first. This is all demonstrative of Cuba’s commitment to solidarity both internally and externally.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that they are experiencing certain shortages because of the embargo that the United States imposed on them. The blockade implies that they are cut off from a significant part of international markets, making material goods extremely difficult to access. Meaning, the American government is not punishing the Cuban State, but the people as they are hindering their access to fundamental services. It is them who can no longer procure surgical thread and save lives with it; who do not have the engines to build ambulances and rush people in need of emergency care to hospitals.