A specialist doctor in Santiago de Cuba revealed on Monday that, despite the regime's official announcement of salary improvements for health workers, the promised back pay remains unpaid in several hospitals across the province. The source, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussions, shared with CiberCuba that facilities such as the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonzo Clinical-Surgical Hospital, and Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital have not seen the promised salary increases as outlined in resolution 4/2025 from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
"It's already June, and we haven't received a single peso of the money owed to us since January. By my calculations, the regime owes me more than 25,000 pesos. While that amount won't solve all our problems, it would at least provide some relief. Ultimately, whether it resolves our issues or not, it's my rightful due," the doctor expressed.
The specialist criticized the government for making announcements to grab headlines without ensuring their follow-through. "We are specialists working under harsh conditions, including night shifts and weekends, yet they fail to deliver on their own promises," the doctor added.
The doctor further explained that the alleged reason for the non-payment is a "lack of funds," which has prevented the implementation of retroactive adjustments, despite the Ministry of Labor's resolution being officially communicated nearly two months ago.
Administrative personnel claim to be "awaiting budget allocations" but fail to provide specific timelines or clear explanations for the delay. This has caused frustration among the affected professionals, who continue to work under challenging conditions without the promised compensation.
Resolution 4/2025, published in the Official Gazette No. 39 of 2025, stipulates additional payments for specialists in fields such as Neonatology, Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Intensive Medicine, including incentives of 100 pesos per night hour worked and 20 pesos per hour for high performance, along with an additional 45% salary scale coefficient for nursing service assistants in specialized centers. The regulation clearly stated that payments would be retroactive from January 1, 2025, but according to the complainant, this has not yet been executed.
Unpaid Salaries and Cuban Healthcare
Why are healthcare workers in Santiago de Cuba not receiving their salary increases?
The alleged reason for the delay is a "lack of funds," despite the salary adjustments being officially communicated nearly two months prior by the Ministry of Labor.
What incentives were promised to the healthcare specialists under the new resolution?
Resolution 4/2025 promises additional payments such as 100 pesos per night hour worked and 20 pesos per hour for high performance, along with a 45% salary scale coefficient for nursing service assistants.