20/09/2012

Stormont Health Trip To Cuba

Representatives from Stormont's health committee are to visit Cuba to observe its health care system, the BBC has reported.

The Caribbean island, famous for its communist government which has endured until the present day, is often cited as a standard-setter in international health care.

Despite being regarded as a third world country, Cuba exports doctors and has a high standard of health.

The average person in Cuba lives to about 77 years old, compared to the Northern Irish life expectancy of 71 years.

Sinn Fein's Sue Ramsey and the DUP's Jim Wells will attend a four-day conference in Havana, Cuba in December.

It is understood to cost up to £2,000 per person to send the two MLAs and a clerk, and a committee source said spending the money now could save millions in the long run.

It is part of the health committee's review on health inequalities.

(NE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
17 April 2024
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
11 March 2022
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.