The Cuban official magazine Juventud Técnica launched an attack against the possibility of offering private medical consultations in Cuba and demanded stricter actions from the authorities in light of the controversy generated by Dalia Spa, an aesthetic business in Camagüey that promoted health services with fees in dollars.
In an article published under the title «Dollar for Pain?», the editorial team of the state-run media questioned whether medical care can become a profitable activity, defended the state monopoly on health services, and called for oversight of both private businesses and the institutions responsible for authorizing them.
"As if a pain could truly be alleviated with dollars," the publication noted, criticizing those who believe that private healthcare could be an alternative to the struggles of the Cuban health system.
The text begins with the case of Dalia Spa, an establishment in Camagüey that posted a promotional video on social media for internal medicine consultations, cardiology, gynecology and obstetrics, dermatology, and imaging, activities that were added to its usual aesthetic services.
The magazine recalled that the advertisement invited interested parties to write the word "MEDICINA" to receive private messages with information about available prices and services.
He also stated that he retained a screenshot of the announcement because the posts were subsequently removed.
However, it has not been demonstrated that Dalia Spa has conducted the medical consultations or procedures advertised, nor that it has charged for them.
What has been documented is the dissemination of the catalog and the subsequent explanation from the establishment that it was an advertising trial.
The official publication acknowledged the deterioration of healthcare in Cuba, as well as the decrease in professionals, resources, and medications in hospitals and polyclinics, but rejected the idea that these shortcomings justify the opening of private medical services.
According to the article, some people are beginning to advocate for privatization as an alternative to the existing problems in state institutions.
The magazine questioned this assertion and argued that free and universal access to health care is an achievement that should not be jeopardized by services tied to the economic capacity of patients.
His 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 recognized that there are practices of remunerated medical care within the state institutions themselves, using public resources and even during the working hours of professionals who receive a salary from the State.
The publication described those situations as signs of corruption and questioned the use of facilities and equipment intended for public care to gain personal economic benefits.
The recognition is significant because the article not only criticizes the advertising of Dalia Spa, but also acknowledges the existence of an informal market for medical services within the state health system.
However, the media focused its proposal on preventing the expansion of private healthcare and reinforcing oversight over the activities conducted by non-state businesses.
To justify that position, he cited Article 72 of the Cuban Constitution, which establishes the state's responsibility to guarantee access, free-of-charge services, and the quality of health care, protection, and recovery services.
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 the technical and professional services of medical and social care, including dental services, although the regulation provides for specific exceptions subject to authorization.
For the magazine, these provisions 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 demanded measures against those who violate the restrictions.
The publication called for greater oversight from the authorities that grant licenses to private businesses, with the aim of ensuring that they engage solely in the authorized activities.
He also directed his inquiries 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 urged 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 had warned about the legal consequences of practicing private medicine without authorization.
The health institution announced that it would act with the rigor outlined in the legislation and urged the public to report any offers they considered fraudulent or attempts to obtain financial benefits through prohibited medical services.
In its final reflection, Juventud Técnica rejected a scenario where patients must incur debt or rely on their financial resources to receive treatment, and defended the continuity of the state healthcare model.
The controversy, however, arose in a context where numerous Cubans are facing difficulties accessing medications, diagnostic tests, and treatments within public institutions.
The case of Dalia Spa came to light in early October, when it was revealed 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 for internal medicine and cardiology for $30, follow-ups for $15, various types of ultrasound, and gynecological procedures.
Among the announced prices were a cervical cytology for $80 and a comprehensive laboratory check-up for $105, amounts that are especially high compared to the usual income of Cuban state workers.
The advertisement was initially examined by CubaNet, which obtained statements related to the alleged benefits and later contacted the establishment.
In response to the press inquiry, Dalia Spa assured that the announcement had been "a test" and that medical services were not available.
The controversy prompted an institutional response. On October 9, the General Directorate of Health in Camagüey reminded that the private practice of medicine remains prohibited in Cuba and warned of potential legal actions against those who attempt to offer or promote such services outside the law.
Provincial authorities stated that they would not allow the use of unauthorized profit-making practices in the healthcare sector and urged reporting such offers.
Related videos:
Filed under: