Love it or hate it, Michael Moore’s acerbic brief for universal health care, “Sicko,” was able to generate a bushel of hype in advance of its nationwide release tomorrow. Not so “Salud,” another documentary on health care that came out this spring, with considerably less fanfare. One of the most controversial parts of Moore’s film was his journey to Cuba, seeking care for three ill 9/11 rescue workers. “Sicko” shows the three receiving free care from a battery of doctors, but Moore said he insisted the treatment match what the average Cuban would get from the government.

“Salud” takes a more in-depth look at the Cuban health care system, but comes away with an equally upbeat assessment. Now director Connie Field, who made “The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter” and other critically acclaimed documentaries, is trying to build more buzz for the movie by tying into the “Sicko” debate. One person plugging “Salud”: former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, who calls it an “excellent, accurate and deeply moving portrayal.” Elders, however, hasn’t been seen plugging SiCKO. Wonder why…..