In the period from 27 October 2025 to 9 November 2025, a unique study tour took place in Cuba. During this study tour, a lot of knowledge was gained when it comes to Cuban healthcare and the differences with the Netherlands.
At the Cuban United Nations Association, we attended inspiring presentations where professors and healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychiatrists and a student explained various aspects of healthcare in Cuba. We also visited a psychiatric hospital and a general practice, among other places. This was an impressive experience. Health care and organisation in Cuba is very community-oriented and plays a central role here. This contributes to prevention, cooperation and a less disabling view of (mental) illnesses. We in the Netherlands can take an example from this.
On the other hand, this inspiring experience also conveys an appreciation to the healthcare sector in the Netherlands. Among other things, around the degree of modernisation, facilitation, professionalisation and development of the nursing profession and its impact on health outcomes among care recipients. All in all, it can be concluded that the study tour had a great learning effect and broadened perspectives on healthcare and culture.
Of course, besides work, there was room for leisure, further exploring the culture of Cuba (Havana, Trinidad and Varadero). The warm people, rich history, beautiful land and beach property, colourful traditions, as well as confronting the food and power shortages in Cuba made this trip unforgettable.
At the Cuban United Nations Association, we attended inspiring presentations where professors and healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychiatrists and a student explained various aspects of healthcare in Cuba. We also visited a psychiatric hospital and a general practice, among other places. This was an impressive experience. Health care and organisation in Cuba is very community-oriented and plays a central role here. This contributes to prevention, cooperation and a less disabling view of (mental) illnesses. We in the Netherlands can take an example from this.
On the other hand, this inspiring experience also conveys an appreciation to the healthcare sector in the Netherlands. Among other things, around the degree of modernisation, facilitation, professionalisation and development of the nursing profession and its impact on health outcomes among care recipients. All in all, it can be concluded that the study tour had a great learning effect and broadened perspectives on healthcare and culture.
Of course, besides work, there was room for leisure, further exploring the culture of Cuba (Havana, Trinidad and Varadero). The warm people, rich history, beautiful land and beach property, colourful traditions, as well as confronting the food and power shortages in Cuba made this trip unforgettable.
