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The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba reported the passing of Julio Teja Pérez, former minister of the sector and a figure linked to the state apparatus, which occurred on July 8, 2025, in Havana. He was 88 years old.
Born on March 21, 1937, in Camagüey, Teja studied Medicine at the University of Havana in the years leading up to 1959, where he participated in student political activities against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista until he joined the Rebel Army, where he served as a medic.
After the triumph of the Revolution, he/she joined the structures of the new government within the healthcare system.
Julio Teja served as Minister of Public Health from 1985 to 1995, a period marked by severe economic restrictions that profoundly affected the healthcare system, especially after the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the onset of the so-called "Special Period."
In addition to his ministerial role, he was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power.
The Cuban government emphasized its role within the national health system, as well as its ideological adherence to the regime.
"With deep sorrow, we learned of the passing of Dr. Julio Teja Pérez, who served as Minister of Public Health in Cuba. His teachings, example, and revolutionary passion have guided the work of our sector," said the current minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, on Facebook.
At the time of his passing, Teja was serving as a consulting professor at the National School of Public Health and was a member of the Cuban Societies of Public Health and History of Medicine.
He held the title of Doctor in Health Sciences, was a Master's in Health and Disasters, and worked as an assistant researcher.
He authored several academic works and the book "The Practice of Cuban Public Health (1980–1995)," focusing on the period when he led the ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions about the death of Julio Teja Pérez
Who was Julio Teja Pérez and what was his role in Cuba's healthcare system?
Julio Teja Pérez was a prominent Cuban physician and politician who served as Minister of Public Health in Cuba from 1985 to 1995. His tenure was marked by confronting the impact of economic restrictions on the healthcare system, especially during the "Special Period" following the collapse of the Soviet bloc. He was also a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and a deputy in the National Assembly of People's Power.
What were Julio Teja Pérez's academic achievements?
Julio Teja Pérez had a distinguished academic career, being a Doctor of Health Sciences and Master in Health and Disasters. He served as a consulting professor at the National School of Public Health and was a member of the Cuban Societies of Public Health and History of Medicine. He published several academic works and the book "The Practice of Cuban Public Health (1980–1995)."
How did the political and economic context influence Julio Teja's management as minister?
During Julio Teja Pérez's tenure as Minister of Public Health, Cuba faced severe economic restrictions, especially after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. This period, known as the "Special Period," brought significant challenges to the Cuban health system, which had to cope with shortages of medical resources and medicines, impacting healthcare on the island.
What legacy did Julio Teja Pérez leave in the Cuban healthcare system?
Julio Teja Pérez left a legacy of dedication and commitment to the Cuban health system, being remembered for his teachings and revolutionary passion. Despite economic challenges, his leadership is acknowledged for having maintained the structure and operation of the health system during difficult times, and for his contribution to the training of new generations of health professionals.
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