After several months of absence due to production and marketing issues, the early pregnancy diagnosis test HeberFast Line MaternitisTest II is once again available in Cuban pharmacies, as well as in hospitals and healthcare centers within the national health system.
According to statements made to the Cuban News Agency by Master in Science Rafael Ibargollín Ulloa, a specialist in Clinical Genetics and head of the productive area at the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center (CIGB) in Sancti Spíritus — the only center in Cuba that has been manufacturing it for decades — the product returns to the market with a new price of 120 pesos per strip, double the previous amount.
The official justified the increase by arguing that its cost is still lower than that of imported tests, which, according to him, lack health records or have a quality inferior to that of the national version.
He also stated that the new price supports the necessary volumes for the healthcare system, which—in theory—would ensure that the test does not disappear from Cuban pharmacies again.
The test, which has an effectiveness of over 99%, allows for pregnancy detection in just ten minutes using a simple urine sample, thanks to the identification of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the placenta from the early stages of pregnancy.
Ibargollín emphasized that, in addition to confirming pregnancy, this medical tool facilitates the early detection of ectopic pregnancies, allowing timely intervention and the prevention of serious complications, including maternal death.
He also pointed out that early diagnosis can prevent invasive procedures such as unmonitored pregnancy interruptions, as well as the risks associated with infections or uterine trauma.
The specialist emphasized that the virtues of the HeberFast Line are the result of decades of work by Cuban science and gynecology teams, and recommended its use in the case of any suspicion of pregnancy to ensure proper care from the very first weeks.
Despite all the "virtues and benefits" that the regime attributes to the test, it is hard to justify its absence for so many months in pharmacies and hospitals across the country.
Above all, because in 2022, the shortage of condoms and other contraceptive methods in Cuba dramatically increased the demand for pregnancy tests among women, according to a report from the state-run press that explored the reasons behind the population's interest in purchasing these diagnostic tests through buying and selling pages used by Cuban social media users.
“Pregnancy Tests: Neither 'Lost' nor Sufficient,” titled Granma in an article that acknowledged that the demand for pregnancy tests in the country exceeded the supply, although at that time the production of pregnancy tests remained stable.
In 2016 alone, the first pregnancy test designed and produced in Cuba, MaterniTest II, sold over 120,000 kits through the country's network of pharmacies, according to the state agency ACN.
"Authorities in charge assure that efforts are underway to reduce the price of this product in order to enhance the population's easy access to it, considering the usefulness of the test in birth control and family planning,” the regime stated at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Pregnancy Tests in Cuba
What is the current price of a pregnancy test in Cuba?
The HeberFast Line MaternitisTest II pregnancy test is priced at 120 CUP. This cost represents double the previous price, which has generated criticism given the economic situation in the country. Despite the authorities' justification regarding the quality of the product, the price increase reflects the economic and health crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
Why was the pregnancy test absent in Cuba for several months?
The pregnancy test was absent due to issues in its production and marketing. The scarcity of raw materials and the inefficiency of the regime in ensuring the production of essential products have severely impacted the availability of the test in pharmacies. This situation has been part of a broader crisis affecting various health products in the country.
What is the effectiveness of the HeberFast Line pregnancy test?
The HeberFast Line pregnancy test has an effectiveness of over 99%. It allows for the detection of pregnancies in just ten minutes using a urine sample, thanks to the identification of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. Additionally, it facilitates the early detection of ectopic pregnancies, which is crucial for preventing serious complications.
What impact does the high cost of medications and medical products have on the Cuban population?
The high cost of medications and medical products is unaffordable for many Cubans. With an average salary of approximately 4,500 CUP, families must choose between basic needs such as food or health. This situation exacerbates the health and economic crisis in the country, forcing the population to turn to the black market and face daily difficulties in accessing essential products.
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