Think the Cuban healthcare system is ideal? No cigar. Not even close.

Too many wishful thinkers have praised the Cuban health system in the wake of Fidel Castro’s death, but their perceptions are based almost entirely on Cuban doctors’ international volunteerism. Unfortunately, this is just evidence that Castro and his regime had some success in their (misleading and money-making) marketing campaign.

Cuba intentionally hosts foreigners in ritzy international clinics and sends thousands of doctors overseas to boost the image of Cuban healthcare (and make money). United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon once said Cuban doctors are always the first to arrive in a crisis and the last to leave.