MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

World health leader impressed by Castro and Cuban medical facilities

Margaret Chan said Fidel Castro looks wonderful

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro “looks wonderful,” World Health Organization director general Margaret Chan said on Wednesday, after meeting the 83-year-old leader who resigned the presidency last year due to ailing health.

Chan, speaking at the end of her first visit to Cuba, said she met with Castro for more two hours on Tuesday during which he displayed a “truly impressive” knowledge of healthcare issues and looked to be in good condition.

“I'm a doctor, I understand the importance of confidentiality, but I have to say he looks wonderful,” Chan told a press conference in Havana. When their talk was over, “I was humbled. He walked me out of the house -- that's quite a distance, so pretty strong,” she said of his condition.

Fidel Castro has not been seen in public except for videos and photos since July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery.

In February 2008, after taking power in a 1959 revolution and holding it for 49 years, he quit the presidency, citing age and health issues, and was succeeded by younger brother Raul Castro, 78. Fidel Castro still meets with visiting dignitaries and writes columns, usually about international affairs, for Cuban media.

Chan said she toured Cuban medical facilities and came away impressed with the island's health system, which provides free care to all Cubans.

Citing its strong health indicators on such things as life expectancy and infant mortality, she said, “In a country of this level of economic development, to be able to achieve those very good health indices is not easy”.

Cuba, she said, “has the right vision and the right direction. Health is a state policy and health is seen as a right of the people”.