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The regime published the new Health Law in Cuba this Friday, reinforcing its control over doctors and patients. The regulation is generating debate on social media.
The Public Health Law (Law No. 165/2023) was published in the Official Gazette No. 9 on January 23, 2026, which replaces the former Law 41 of 1983 and redefines the legal framework of the healthcare system in the country.
The regulation aims to adapt to the "social and structural transformations" in Cuba and to "scientific advancements," although it evidently reinforces state control over medical practice and health service management.
Among its most important provisions, it establishes a National Registry of Health Professionals and Technicians, which is mandatory and will allow the Minister of Public Health to suspend, disqualify or reinstate sector workers for "ethical or technical" reasons.
This point consolidates the administrative and political subordination of medical personnel to the authorities of the healthcare system.
Also, the Ministry of Public Health will control a system of medical records and health statistics in order to meet its own information needs for decision-making.
That record will be part of the State Information System, in accordance with the provisions set by the competent authorities and as established in the Regulations of this Law.
Rights and responsibilities
The law recognizes for the first time individual rights of patients, such as informed consent, refusal of treatments, access to assisted reproductive technologies, and the ability to express advance directives or decisions regarding the end of life.
It also introduces personal data protection in health, allowing individuals to decide on the use of their medical information in care, educational, or research contexts.
However, the exercise of these rights is limited by the authority of the healthcare system, which maintains broad powers to define protocols, treatments, and regulations.
The National Commission of Medical Ethics, established and composed by direct appointment of the minister, will be responsible for overseeing the "professional and ethical conduct" of doctors and technicians, with subordinate commissions at all territorial levels.
The law establishes new medico-legal evaluation procedures to determine cases of negligence or professional incompetence, and provides specific penalties for those who violate the standards of "medical practice."
It also requires health institutions to address the complaints and claims of the population and to report periodically to the local bodies of the People's Power.
The law requires the Ministry of Public Health to develop an implementation regulation within 90 days and to approve a new Medical Ethics Code within 120 days, replacing the existing framework from 1988.
The article 158 acknowledges the right to a dignified death and mentions “valid procedures that end life,” but the effective implementation of euthanasia or assisted dying remains subject to future regulations.
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