Related videos:
The Cuban government has officially authorized non-state economic actors to open and manage residences for seniors and people with disabilities, according to Agreement 10249/2025 published in the Official Gazette (GOC-2026-211-O23).
The measure, approved by the Council of Ministers and signed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, is part of the implementation of Decree 109 regarding the “National System for Comprehensive Care of Life” and acknowledges the rapid aging of the population and the inadequate state capacities to meet the demand for care.
For the first time, small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and self-employed workers will be able to provide caregiving services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
The authorized modalities include day care residences, permanent care residences, and mixed residences (day and permanent).
Until now, these services were essentially state-run through grandparent homes, nursing homes, and specialized centers.
To carry out the activity, interested parties must obtain approval from the Director General of Health of the municipality, a health license for the premises, mandatory training at caregiver schools, and payment for the training course established by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
This organization will be responsible for defining requirements, controlling training, granting licenses, and overseeing the operation of the residences.
The agreement stipulates that the holders of these residences must reserve at least 10% of their capacity for vulnerable individuals in the community.
In these cases, the current state rate for certified nursing homes and elderly care facilities will apply. If the person cannot afford it, Social Assistance will cover all or part of the service cost, pending evaluation.
As an incentive, the Government has established that, if the service is provided in a leased state-owned premises, the holder will be exempt from paying rent for two years, extendable to three if the economic situation necessitates it.
At the end of that period, the authorities will evaluate whether to charge rent or transfer the property for usufruct.
The agreement itself acknowledges the "accelerated aging process of the Cuban population" and the need to expand the scope of social care services beyond the state system.
Cuba is one of the most aging countries in Latin America, with an increasing proportion of people over 60 years old and a steady decline in the working-age population, which has put pressure on family structures and public services.
The authorization does not signify a withdrawal of the State from the sector, but rather a controlled opening in a time of extreme crisis. The Government maintains health oversight, establishes mandatory conditions — such as the social quota — and regulates rates and tax incentives through the Ministries of Public Health and Finance and Prices.
The agreement will come into effect 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, the note states.
With this decision, the Cuban state formally recognizes that it needs support from the private sector to sustain the care system amid the demographic and economic crisis the country is facing, in a context of maximum pressure.
Filed under: