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The activist from Sancti Spíritus, Yureibys Torresilla, known on social media as El Héroe, reported that local authorities thwarted a free medicine fair organized by his solidarity project in Sancti Spíritus, despite the fact that the event had prior authorization.
In a post on Facebook, Torresilla reported that he and his colleague Yanalli González Domínguez were "mistreated and humiliated" while trying to donate medications at a state-run market. This incident is particularly significant given that the country is experiencing a severe health crisis where many cannot afford the prices of pharmaceuticals in the informal market.
"We had made the connection with the market administration, and everything was going well, until they called us to say that the boss was coming and we had to leave," explained the activist, visibly enraged, as the regime does not ensure a supply in pharmacies, which is why initiatives like these benefit the vulnerable population.
According to the activist, the eviction sparked outrage among those present, many of whom had traveled from other municipalities due to the shortage of medications.
"The situation is critical regarding health. They didn't want it to be known that we helped the people," he stated.
Torresilla specified that, despite the suspension order, the donation ultimately took place at his home, where over 700 people received medicines and sanitary items.
"Yesterday I saw a different town, asserting its rights," he added, while expressing fear of possible reprisals: "I am afraid that we will be accused of a crime and end up suffering the consequences. Our project is not the enemy; the enemy is the one who prevents help from reaching those who need it."
The activist warned that the upcoming deliveries will take place at his home to avoid further disruptions.
"We will never ask permission from any state authority to do good," he assured.
For her part, Nelys Valdés, also a member of the project, explained that the donation, although not carried out at the intended location, was successfully completed.
“Our only goal is to help, do good, and support those in need. We will continue moving forward, bringing hope to those who need it,” he/she wrote on Facebook.
In the midst of the serious health crisis and the lack of medications, citizen initiatives like this have become a source of relief and hope for hundreds of Cubans.
That the regime frustrates this type of action only demonstrates the arrogance of a government that cares more about the image it projects abroad of being an administration capable of serving the people, when the reality is on the opposite end of the spectrum.
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In light of this situation, a Cuban doctor publicly denounced that “the country urgently needs a health intervention”, highlighting the structural incapacity of the health system to manage a crisis of this magnitude.
He warned about the saturation of services, the neglect of fumigation, and the total lack of protection for vulnerable areas.
From exile, groups of Cuban doctors have demanded a clear response from the government, expressing their concern for the health situation and calling for transparency in the numbers of infections and deaths.
The letter sent by these professionals reflects the desperation of those who, from abroad, are still trying to support their communities of origin.
The alert has even reached the political arena, when an open letter addressed to Miguel Díaz-Canel warned that chikungunya has gotten out of control.
The document directly holds the government responsible for inaction, the concealment of figures, and the abandonment of essential public policies needed to contain the spread of the virus.
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