The official Cuban magazine Juventud Técnica attacked the possibility of offering private medical consultations in Cuba and called for a stricter action from the authorities following the controversy generated by Dalia Spa, an aesthetics business in Camagüey that promoted health services priced in dollars.
In an article published under the title «Dollars for Pain?», the editorial team of the state media questioned that medical care could become a profitable activity, defended the state monopoly on healthcare services, and called for oversight of both private businesses and the institutions responsible for authorizing them.
"As if pain could truly be alleviated with dollars," the publication pointed out, critiquing those who believe that private healthcare could serve as an alternative to the challenges faced by the Cuban healthcare system.
The text refers to the case of Dalia Spa, a facility in Camagüey that posted a promotional video on social media for internal medicine, cardiology, gynecology, dermatology, and imaging consultations, services that were added to its usual aesthetic offerings.
The magazine recalled that the advertisement invited those interested to write the word "MEDICINE" to receive private messages with information about prices and available services.
He also stated that he saved a screenshot of the announcement because the posts were subsequently removed.
However, it has not been proven that Dalia Spa has conducted the announced medical consultations or procedures, nor that it has charged for them.
What has been documented is the dissemination of the catalog and the subsequent explanation from the establishment stating that it was an advertising test.
The official publication acknowledged the deterioration of healthcare in Cuba, as well as the decline in professionals, resources, and medications in hospitals and clinics, but rejected the idea that these shortcomings justify the opening of private medical services.
According to the article, some people begin to advocate privatization as an alternative to the existing problems in state institutions.
The magazine questioned that statement and argued that free and universal access to health care is an achievement that should not be jeopardized by services contingent on the economic capacity of patients.
Her criticism also extended to private consultations that, according to the medium itself, are already taking place informally in Cuba through payments in cash or goods.
Technical Youth acknowledged that there are paid medical care practices within the state institutions themselves, using public resources and even during the working hours of professionals who are paid by the state.
The publication described these situations as signs of corruption and questioned the use of facilities and equipment meant for public service to gain private economic benefits.
The recognition is significant because the article does not merely criticize the advertising of Dalia Spa, but acknowledges the existence of an informal market for medical services within the state healthcare system.
Nevertheless, the media focused its proposal on preventing the expansion of private medicine and strengthening oversight of the activities carried out by non-state businesses.
To justify that position, he cited Article 72 of the Cuban Constitution, which establishes the responsibility of the State to ensure access, affordability, and quality of health care services, protection, and recovery.
He also referred to the Public Health Law 165 of 2023, which reaffirms the public and free nature of health services organized by the State.
The legal argument was completed with Decree 160/2026, which includes among the unauthorized activities for non-state economic actors technical and professional services in medical and social care, including dental services, although the regulation considers specific exceptions subject to authorization.
For the magazine, these regulations prevent private businesses from freely offering medical consultations and other procedures reserved for the National Health System.
The article described the reported practices as contrary to the Constitution and current legislation, and called for measures against those who violate the restrictions.
The publication called for increased oversight from the authorities that grant licenses to private businesses, with the aim of ensuring that they only engage in the activities that are authorized.
He also directed his questions to the customs and trade institutions responsible for allowing the entry of professional medical equipment into Cuba.
According to the media, those entities should monitor the declared destination of the equipment and ensure that it is not used for unauthorized activities.
He also demanded that judicial and regulatory bodies respond without delay to cases related to the promotion or provision of private medical services.
The magazine supported the statement from the General Directorate of Health of Camagüey, which warned about the legal consequences of practicing private medicine without authorization.
The health institution announced that it would act with the rigor dictated by the legislation and urged the public to report any offers they deemed fraudulent or attempts to obtain financial gain through prohibited medical services.
In its final reflection, Juventud Técnica rejected a scenario in which patients must incur debt or rely on their financial resources to receive treatment, and advocated for the continuation of the state healthcare model.
The controversy, however, arose in a context where many Cubans face difficulties accessing medications, diagnostic tests, and treatments within public institutions.
The case of Dalia Spa came to light in early October when it was reported that the establishment was promoting medical consultations starting at 30 dollars and laboratory check-ups costing up to 105 dollars.
The offer included initial consultations in internal medicine and cardiology for $30, follow-ups for $15, various types of ultrasound, and gynecological procedures.
Among the announced rates were a cervical cytology for $80 and a comprehensive laboratory check-up for $105, amounts that are particularly high compared to the usual earnings of Cuban state workers.
The advertisement was initially examined by CubaNet, which obtained statements regarding the alleged benefits and later contacted the establishment.
In response to the media inquiry, Dalia Spa stated that the announcement had been "a trial" and that medical services were not available.
The controversy prompted an institutional response. On October 8, the General Directorate of Health in Camagüey reminded that the private practice of medicine remains prohibited in Cuba and warned about potential legal actions against those who attempt to provide or promote such services outside the regulations.
Provincial authorities stated that they would not permit the use of unauthorized profit-generating practices in healthcare and urged people to report such offers.
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