A private business in Camagüey circulated a catalog offering internal medicine and cardiology consultations for 30 dollars, along with a laboratory check-up priced at 105 dollars, but later claimed that the publication had been a "test" and that these services were not available. The contradiction raises questions about the advertised offer and the restrictions imposed by the Cuban government on private medical practice.
This is about Dalia Spa, a establishment located on 9th Street, between 8th and 10th, in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood. The offerings and subsequent response from the business were documented by CubaNet in an investigation published on October 7, based on images from the catalog shared on social media, statements gathered by the journalist, and a conversation with the establishment.
It has not been proven that Dalia Spa has conducted medical consultations, analyses, or gynecological procedures as advertised, nor that they have charged those fees. What has been documented so far is the advertising of the services and the contradictory accounts collected by CubaNet.
Consultations for $30 and analyses for $105: what the catalog said
According to the rate schedule reviewed by CubaNet, Dalia Spa advertised a comprehensive internal medicine consultation for 30 USD and an initial cardiology consultation for the same price. Interconsultations and follow-up consultations were listed at 15 USD each.
Among the ultrasound examinations were the thyroid exam, priced at 25 USD; the breast exam, at 30 USD; the pelvic exam, at 35 USD; and the obstetric and transvaginal studies, at 40 USD each. The abdominal ultrasound was advertised for 45 USD.
The catalog also included gynecological procedures: insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) for 25 USD, extraction for 15 USD, cervical cytology or Pap test for 80 USD, and other treatments. The comprehensive laboratory check-up had one of the highest amounts: 105 USD.
These amounts are advertised prices. They do not constitute evidence of payments made, diagnoses performed, or a health license to provide such services.
The business later assured that the services "are not available."
CubaNet's investigation includes the testimony of a Dalia Spa employee who requested to remain anonymous. According to this employee, the establishment had permission to operate as a spa and for certain dental services, while it was in the process of obtaining a license to expand its activities. The worker also confirmed that there were fees for the advertised services.
Additionally, the media obtained the testimony of a person who visited the location and claimed that they had confirmed the availability of some of the advertised services. This statement is testimonial evidence, not an independent verification that medical procedures were being performed.
The establishment's version changed when CubaNet requested information directly via WhatsApp. Dalia Spa responded that the ad was a “test” and assured that “those services are not available”.
So far, no administrative authorization has been disseminated that allows for verification of which services are enabled in that business. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that there is a license for dental services, nor can it be concluded that the establishment has committed an infringement: it would be necessary to first establish which services, if any, were actually provided.
Cuban law continues to reserve medical care for the state
The legal issue is particularly relevant because the , published in the Official Gazette on July 28 and in effect since August 4, classifies in numeral 64 of its annex the technical and professional activities of medical and social care —including dental services— as not authorized for non-state economic actors.
The same section allows for the possibility of carrying out, under the appropriate authorizations, certain pharmaceutical, optical, care, and rehabilitation activities. This exception does not constitute a general authorization to open private practices in internal medicine or cardiology, nor to offer diagnostic clinical procedures.
CiberCuba reported when the Government confirmed these restrictions on private healthcare, despite the challenges faced by the public healthcare system.
On the other hand, the establishes the public and free nature of health care, protection, and recovery services organized by the State. The existence of both regulations emphasizes the need to distinguish between an aesthetic business and a facility authorized to provide medical assistance.
What do 30 and 105 dollars represent for a Cuban worker?
The issue with the announced rates goes beyond the legality of the service. The established the minimum monthly wage in Cuba at 3,210 Cuban pesos (CUP), effective from July. This figure does not represent the salary received by all workers.
As a reference, the exchange rate in the informal market published by CiberCuba this Thursday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. Cuba time, placed the US dollar at 768 CUP.
At that rate, a consultation priced at 30 USD would amount to approximately 23,040 CUP, which is equivalent to more than seven minimum monthly salaries. The laboratory check costing 105 USD would reach about 80,640 CUP, meaning it equates to more than 25 minimum monthly salaries.
These are comparative calculations based on an informal quote, not prices charged in pesos or guaranteed official conversions. The business later denied that those services were available.
An offer in dollars amid the health crisis
The publication of the catalog occurs in a context of deteriorating healthcare in Cuba, characterized by material and energy difficulties. In Camagüey, for example, CiberCuba documented in July the fire of a generator group at the Provincial Pediatric Hospital, which forced the use of temporary solutions to maintain electricity in various areas of the facility, as reported by workers.
The demand for alternatives in light of the deficiencies in state services reveals the interest that an offer for analysis and consultations may generate. However, this social need does not prove that the services advertised by Dalia Spa have been delivered.
The investigation leaves three questions unanswered: why a catalog with prices in dollars was published, what licenses the establishment truly holds, and whether any of the advertised medical services were actually offered. As long as these points are not clarified, the main issue is the contradiction between the disseminated advertising and the subsequent explanation from the business that it was merely a trial.
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