This week on South2North Redi looks at how three developing countries are tackling different problems in their healthcare systems. Professor Joe Veriava from the Wits School of Clinical Medicine, describes the Cuban system as an “interdependent, integrated system of healthcare". The emphasis on both education (Cuba has a 99 percent of literacy rate), health and political will has resulted in favourable healthcare indicators.

In fact, Patients Beyond Borders reports Mexico now attracts more than a million patients a year, many of whom are Hispanics from California, Arizona and Texas. It’s this proximity to North America that makes Latin America’s medical tourism so attractive. Other factors include favorable exchange rates, bilingual healthcare officials, friendly cultures, tropical climates and exotic locations allowing for relaxing and scenic recovery time.