A report published by the official newspaper Escambray from Sancti Spíritus has revealed, in an unusual manner from state media, that cancer patients must pay up to 70,000 Cuban pesos informally in order to access radiation therapy, a vital treatment that should be free of charge.
The text, titled “The Distressing Odyssey of Medications” and authored by journalist Mary Luz Borrego, openly acknowledges that in Cuba there are “discretionary” payments within the public health system itself.
“This media outlet heard, without being able to prove it: the discretionary payment that some must make to access certain services, such as cancer radiotherapy, which is reportedly charged at around 70,000 pesos,” the publication admits.
Although the report tries to portray an image of institutional sensitivity, what it ultimately reveals is the structural collapse of the Cuban healthcare system, where patients not only face a shortage of basic medications but also have to resort to informal networks or pay exorbitant sums for services that are officially free.
According to statistics from the Department of Medications at the Provincial Health Directorate, in Sancti Spíritus, only 50% of the essential medication list is covered, with shortages in nearly all pharmaceutical groups: antibiotics, antihypertensives, analgesics, antihistamines, psychotropic drugs, steroids, anticonvulsants, creams, and medications from the "tarjetón" for chronic diseases.
The shortage is not limited to pharmacies: it also severely impacts hospitals, where there is a scarcity of everything from cannulas, syringes, scalpels, and probes, to catheters and cytostatics, which are essential for oncology patients.
In this context, the public system has been reduced to a network of precariousness where, as the report itself points out, good intentions are not enough to save lives.
The lack of supplies is even affecting laboratory tests and pathology examinations due to the absence of essential reagents and components.
Although the article mentions causes such as the lack of raw materials, industrial breakdowns, or "the blockade," it avoids delving into systemic inefficiency, resource misallocation, and internal corruption as central factors of this crisis.
In the absence of institutional responses, the population is forced to turn to the black market, where prices vary depending on the product, the urgency of the patient, and the level of desperation.
Escambray acknowledges that a hip prosthesis can cost up to 60,000 pesos, while medications such as Amoxicillin is sold for 700 pesos, Rosefín for 650, Cefalexin for 550, and dermatological creams range between 800 and 900 pesos.
In many cases, the medications offered have no set price or guarantee of authenticity. The Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment, and Medical Devices (CECMED) has warned about the risks of consuming counterfeit drugs, which have already caused serious health issues for several patients.
Nevertheless, for many families, the only available option is to take risks amidst a widespread scarcity throughout the country.
The report also highlights as an "achievement" that the country continues to prioritize the production of natural and homeopathic medicines, as well as care for maternal and child health programs and chronic diseases.
But that overused official discourse fails to hide the reality: a healthcare system that is impoverished, degraded, and deeply unequal, where the most vulnerable are left out.
While the government insists on defending a healthcare system that is no longer functioning, state media such as Escambray end up, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, validating the existence of a parallel system of illegal charges and institutional chaos.
The public acknowledgment that in Cuba, people pay under the table to receive treatments such as radiation therapy is much more than just an anecdote: it is the confirmation of the sinking of one of the regime's propaganda pillars.
Free healthcare is no longer a reality: Cuba's public health system has been replaced by one dominated by the market, corruption, and a survival-of-the-fittest mentality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Radiotherapy and Health Crisis in Cuba
How much does radiation therapy cost in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba?
The informal cost of receiving radiotherapy in Sancti Spíritus can reach up to 70,000 Cuban pesos. Even though this treatment should be free, cancer patients face the necessity of paying exorbitant amounts informally to access it, highlighting the collapse of the public healthcare system in Cuba.
What is the current situation regarding the shortage of medications in Cuba?
More than 70% of essential medications are unavailable in Cuba. This critical situation has forced the population to turn to the black market to obtain medications, which increases costs and the uncertainty of treatments. The shortage of medical supplies also severely impacts hospitals and health centers.
What problems do cancer patients in Cuba face due to the health crisis?
Oncological patients in Cuba are facing a serious shortage of essential medications and equipment. The scarcity of cytostatics, which are crucial for cancer treatment, and other medical supplies in hospitals has jeopardized the lives of many patients who rely on these critical treatments.
How is the crisis in the Cuban healthcare system affecting citizens in their daily lives?
The health crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the daily lives of citizens. The shortage of medications and medical resources has limited access to essential treatments, forcing families to seek solutions in parallel markets and confront high costs, which exacerbates their economic and social situation.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the health crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a self-financing scheme in foreign currency for the Public Health sector and BioCubaFarma. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the health crisis, and the population continues to face serious difficulties in accessing essential medications and medical supplies.
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