Amid increasing social demands due to the shortage of medications and medical equipment, the Cuban government has promised to improve care conditions for cancer patients this year.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez assured that he would improve conditions for these patients during a meeting with experts and scientists from the healthcare sector to assess the progress of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
The announcement comes in a delicate context, following cases such as that of young Damir, whose family had to leave the island in search of appropriate treatment due to the lack of cytostatics and specialized resources in Cuba.
Her story, which moved many, highlighted the serious shortcomings of the healthcare system for oncology in the country.
Among the most concrete measures announced is the acquisition, by BioCubaFarma, of a modern piece of equipment for the production of cytostatics, essential drugs in chemotherapy.
According to Vice Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz, this investment will increase the national availability of these medications, the scarcity of which has been one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment in recent years, as reported by the state-run newspaper Granma.
Currently, 60% of the oncology patients are concentrated in Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
Despite the announcements, the authorities acknowledge that not all solutions are immediately within reach.
A few weeks ago, Dr. Jorge Álvarez Blanco, head of the Provincial Medical Oncology Group in Sancti Spíritus, acknowledged that many cancer patients arrive without timely diagnosis, and in many cases, without access to treatment; however, the regime does not recognize that the export of doctors and the deterioration of primary care on the island contribute to this situation.
"Most of us arrive late, and many times we don't have treatment," said Álvarez Blanco.
The lack of stable access to treatments continues to force some families to seek alternatives outside the country, as has happened with other patients, including minors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of the Oncological Health System in Cuba
What actions has the Cuban government announced to improve care for cancer patients?
The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has promised to improve the care conditions for cancer patients during this year. Among the announced measures is the acquisition of modern equipment for the production of cytostatics by BioCubaFarma, which will increase the national availability of these essential medications for chemotherapy.
What are the main challenges facing the Cuban healthcare system in treating cancer?
The Cuban healthcare system faces serious shortages of medications and medical equipment, especially cytostatics and radiotherapy services. Furthermore, late diagnoses due to a lack of diagnostic tools such as CT scans complicate the effective treatment of cancer, as noted by Dr. Jorge Álvarez Blanco, head of the Provincial Group of Medical Oncology in Sancti Spíritus.
How has the case of the child Damir Ortiz affected the perception of the Cuban healthcare system?
The case of the boy Damir Ortiz has brought to light the serious deficiencies of the Cuban health system, particularly in the treatment of severe illnesses such as cancer. The lack of accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment forced his family to seek medical care in the United States, leading to international criticism of the Cuban regime and its management of public health.
What justifications has the Cuban government provided in response to the criticisms of the healthcare system?
The Cuban government has attributed the limitations on access to medical supplies to the "strict economic blockade" imposed by the United States, arguing that this hinders the acquisition of essential resources for healthcare. However, internal and international claims point to a combination of mismanagement and a lack of internal resources.
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