Int J Health Serv
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The period of sustained financial austerity since 2009 has led to a shift in competition policy within the English National Health Service. Policymakers have directed their attention away from the preexisting priority to support quicker access to routine and planned hospital care and have focused instead on improving emergency, cancer, and general practitioner services. ⋯ In addition, previous policy initiatives to engage the leadership of general practitioners in planning services have been revisited. The overall effect has been to shift emphasis away from competitive markets and back toward a planning approach.
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This article explores Cuba's health assistance and support for other countries. It explores the rationale and motivations for Cuba's internationalism in health. ⋯ It also explores potential adverse consequences and criticisms of Cuba's approach. The article concludes by noting that Cuba has been ahead of the game in integrating foreign policy and health policy and that its experience may hold lessons for other countries seeking to develop global health strategies.