The Cuban pharmaceutical company "8 de Marzo," belonging to BioCubaFarma, received a donation of 60 tons of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) from India.
The donation will allow for the reactivation of the production of high-demand antibiotics in the National Health System (SNS), which is currently in crisis due to a shortage of medication.
The "Indian pharmaceutical ingredients" will be aimed at the production of penicillin antibiotics and cephalosporins, for both oral and intramuscular administration.
It is expected that the coverage of these medications, which include amoxicillin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, and cefixime (in capsules and suspension), will be extended for 6 to 12 months in community and hospital pharmacies.
BioCubaFarma assured that these antibiotics will be available for distribution in approximately 50 days, once the required production cycles are completed.
Since 2021, there has been a shortage of medications in Cuba. The situation worsened when the "ordering task" came into effect, disrupting prices and salaries, reducing the precarious purchasing power of Cubans and forcing them to buy medicines in the informal market.
In 2023, the regime acknowledged that 251 medications produced in Cuba are in shortage, representing 40% of those in the basic formulary.
Not only are antibiotics lacking, but there are also essential medications such as pain relievers. There is no 500 mg dipyrone, nor 500 mg aspirin, nor 500 mg acetaminophen tablets.
In March 2024, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the shortage of medicines and medical supplies on the island will continue. Pharmacies are lacking supplies throughout the country.
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