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The crisis of medication shortages has reached alarming levels in Cuba, where the regime acknowledged on Wednesday that over 70 percent of essential drugs are currently unavailable.
According to official reports, out of the 651 products included in the Essential Medicines List, 461 are currently either completely unavailable or have low availability, meaning that more than 70% of essential drugs are not accessible or face serious access difficulties for Cubans.
A few months ago, when 251 essential medications were missing, the situation was already critical. The regime acknowledges that the worsening of the crisis severely affects the quality of medical services in the country, the government report adds.
The shortage of medications is not the only challenge facing the Cuban healthcare system. The technical availability of medical equipment has also been affected, along with the lack of supplies and disposable materials necessary for the proper functioning of hospitals and health centers.
The shortage of syringes, basic medications, and other commonly used products has led to many patients not receiving adequate care, resulting in an increase in complaints and concerns among the population.
Cuban authorities have publicly acknowledged that the scarcity of these resources is largely due to the lack of foreign currency needed to import medical products.
This Tuesday, a self-financing scheme in foreign currency for the Public Health sector and the state company BioCubaFarma was approved for 2025. However, experts and citizens are skeptical that this measure will be enough to address the severe crisis facing the healthcare system.
The shortage of medications and medical equipment has jeopardized care for patients with chronic illnesses, health complications, and those requiring urgent procedures. Furthermore, difficulties in obtaining treatments from state-run pharmacies have forced many Cubans to turn to parallel markets, which further increases healthcare costs, making access to health services increasingly unattainable for large segments of the population.
The impact of this crisis has also been reflected in the rise of complaints regarding the quality of medical services in Cuba, with several patients reporting a lack of resources and qualified personnel to treat illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shortage of Medications in Cuba
What is the severity of the medication shortage in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is extremely serious, as more than 70% of essential drugs are either unavailable or face significant access difficulties for Cubans. This situation severely impacts the quality of medical services and has forced many to seek alternatives in parallel markets.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the shortage of medicines?
The Cuban government has approved a self-financing scheme in foreign currency for the Public Health sector and BioCubaFarma for 2025. However, experts and citizens are skeptical that this measure will be enough to resolve the crisis. Additionally, they have extended the tariff exemption on medications for travelers coming from abroad as a temporary measure.
How does the scarcity of medications affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The shortage of medications affects Cubans by limiting their access to essential treatments. Many patients do not receive adequate care, leading to an increase in complaints and concerns among the population. Furthermore, the lack of supplies and necessary medical materials has impacted healthcare in hospitals and health centers.
What are the main causes of the shortage of medications in Cuba?
The main causes of the medication shortage in Cuba include a lack of funding, internal organizational issues, the economic embargo, and rising costs of raw materials and freight. The government has also acknowledged problems spanning from production and importation to the dispensing of medications in pharmacies.
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