In a new attempt to mask the collapse of the healthcare system, the Cuban regime promotes the use of natural and traditional medicine as a solution to the acute shortage of chemical drugs on the island.
In Santiago de Cuba, health authorities highlight a local laboratory as an example of an “effective alternative” where onion, garlic, and oregano syrups are produced for sale in state pharmacies, replacing industrial drugs that are no longer produced or do not reach the counters.
The initiative was publicized by the official medium Sierra Maestra, which celebrated the “determination of Cubans to face challenges with intelligence and willpower,” without questioning the structural causes of the shortage of essential medications.
The report is based on a visit to the Local Production Laboratory of Pharmacies and Optics, located on Reloj Street, between San Ricardo and Martí, in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Here, a team consisting of a specialist, eight assistants, and an administrator produces sodium hypochlorite and natural syrups intended for pharmaceutical dispensaries.
The products include plant extracts such as sage, garlic, canandonga, and onion, which are said to have "proven" benefits; however, their promotion is actually driven by scarcity rather than mere efficacy, as they should be used more as a supplement than as a primary medication.
These artisanal compounds are portrayed by the official press as effective substitutes for the medications that have disappeared from Cuban pharmacies.
According to data from the source itself, more than 45,000 bottles of various syrups have been produced so far this year, and just last week over 13,000 bottles of onion syrup were made, which are now distributed to all pharmacies in Santiago de Cuba.
The syrup is said to be useful in respiratory processes due to its vitamin C content, and is promoted as an option for treating a variety of conditions such as bronchitis, hypertension, rheumatism, obesity, and even heart disorders.
However, far from being a sustainable solution, the reliance on traditional natural medicine, under the current conditions, highlights the profound deterioration of the healthcare system.
The note itself acknowledges that production is affected by the constant blackouts, another sign of the collapse of basic services in Cuba.
Far from pointing out the lack of management, corruption, or poor decisions by the government, the article from Sierra Maestra blames “the empire's economic war” for the medication crisis, while idealizing the role of doctors and paramedics who must face the emergency with minimal resources and improvised solutions.
The laboratory in question also produces base tinctures for creating other formulations in the province's dispensaries, presenting itself as a replicable model.
But beyond the triumphalist tones of the government, the reality is that thousands of Cubans now depend on onion or garlic syrups, facing the inability to access antibiotics, antihypertensives, or basic medications that should be guaranteed by the State.
This commitment to natural medicine as an “alternative strategy” not only confirms the scarcity but also the normalization of precariousness as a state policy, while Cuba's public health system regresses by decades, transforming into one where faith in plants replaces science and improvisation fills in for infrastructure.
A doctor consulted by CiberCuba warned that, in chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, the exclusive use of natural medicine lacks solid scientific support and can be dangerous.
"Hypertension is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases and can lead to serious complications in the heart, kidneys, retina, and brain if not effectively and consistently managed," the specialist explained.
The professional emphasized that the treatment often requires the combined use of several medications whose effectiveness has been demonstrated by rigorous clinical studies, and that these must be individually tailored to each patient based on factors such as sex, age, race, genetics, weight, or toxic habits.
"To claim that traditional natural medicine can solely replace these treatments, without robust studies to support it and without considering the clinical complexity of each case, is a demonstration of scientific ignorance and a deviation from the basic principles of medicine," she concluded.
He added that, while these remedies may have a complementary use, they should never be the sole treatment option, and their application should be done under strict medical supervision and in a personalized manner.
In 2024, the Cuban government decided to increase the prices of natural and traditional medicine, a measure that directly impacted the most vulnerable citizens who were already struggling to access essential treatments.
According to official reports, the increase affected products such as tinctures, ointments, and syrups made with natural ingredients, under the pretext of offsetting production and distribution costs amid the economic crisis.
Meanwhile, health authorities prioritized the production of natural medicines in response to the ongoing shortage of industrial drugs.
This strategy, particularly promoted in provinces like Santiago de Cuba and Villa Clara, boosted the production of syrups, ointments, and plant extracts in local laboratories integrated into the state pharmacy system.
For years, the official press has promoted the use of natural remedies to treat common ailments such as inflammation, flu, or digestive disorders.
Instead of acknowledging the lack of access to certified medications, state media presents these alternatives as part of "popular wisdom," reinforcing a narrative of self-sufficiency that diverts attention from the structural causes of the health crisis on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Drug Shortage in Cuba and the Proposed Alternatives
What is the current situation regarding the shortage of medications in Cuba?
The situation of medication shortages in Cuba is critical, with more than 70% of essential drugs either unavailable or facing serious access issues. This severely impacts the quality of medical services, forcing many Cubans to turn to parallel markets to obtain essential medications.
What alternatives is the Cuban regime promoting in response to the shortage of medicines?
The Cuban regime is promoting the use of natural and traditional medicine as an alternative to the shortage of medications. This includes the production of onion, garlic, and oregano syrups in local laboratories, which are sold in state pharmacies as substitutes for industrial drugs.
What criticisms have been made regarding the promotion of natural syrups as a solution to the shortage of medications?
The promotion of natural syrups has been criticized as an unsustainable measure that highlights the decline of the Cuban healthcare system. It is seen as a normalization of precariousness as state policy, where improvisation replaces adequate medical infrastructure.
What are the main causes of the shortage of medications in Cuba according to the government?
The Cuban government attributes the shortage of medications to external factors such as the "economic war of the empire" and the rising costs of raw materials and freight. However, internal issues such as a lack of funding and poor management are also identified, which have exacerbated the crisis.
How does the shortage of medications affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The shortage of medications limits access to essential treatments, affecting patients with chronic illnesses and medical emergencies. Many Cubans are forced to seek remedies in parallel markets, increasing costs and further complicating access to healthcare.
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