A Cuban woman currently residing in El Salvador recently voiced her amazement on social media, highlighting what she perceives as a stark abundance: the ease with which she could obtain over-the-counter medicines, a stark contrast to the shortage she faced back in Cuba.
In a TikTok video shared on her account @das6825, the user known as La Cubanísima SV showcased two versions of the medication Virogrip—one for daytime use and another for nighttime. She remarked, “Folks, I’m not bragging or anything, but I find myself living in an incredibly abundant country, at least for me. Can you imagine having medicines for both day and night? The abundance in El Salvador is remarkable. Please, let’s send medicine to Cuba. This is Virogrip, one for day and one for night, so tell me in the comments how it works.”
Her cheerful tone seemed to underscore not just surprise at the medication’s composition, but a profound impression of the accessibility and availability of basic products, a stark difference from the healthcare situation she left behind in Cuba.
Many Salvadoran users responded to the video with congratulations, questions, and observations. Some celebrated the fact that a foreigner appreciates what many take for granted, while others questioned if her perception was representative of the country as a whole: “Friend, do you get treated in the public hospital in El Salvador?” one user asked. Another commented, “In the health unit, they give it to you for free,” while someone else pointed out, “Visit the general women’s hospital and see the reality—no medicines, no doctors.”
This isn’t the first time La Cubanísima SV has expressed her astonishment at what she encounters in her new home. In another video, she wandered through a hardware store, stating, “My eyes still aren’t used to such beauty, such abundance here in El Salvador.” She also spoke about plans to open a bakery.
Similar experiences have been shared by other Cubans abroad. In Mexico, a young woman praised the attention to detail in a private lab, describing how they showed her a new needle, identified her sample, and applied a band-aid after the test. In Peru, a young man shared that he finally received medical attention with supplies and organization, declaring, “How they lied to us!”
Meanwhile, a Cuban woman in Spain recounted her first visit to public healthcare, comparing the hospitals to “five-star hotels” and highlighting the professionalism of the doctors. In Uruguay, a Cuban content creator visited a public hospital in Maldonado and concluded that “Uruguayans don’t know what a hospital in terrible conditions looks like.”
Back in Cuba, the shortage of medicines severely impacts chronic patients. An epileptic young man revealed that he had to choose between buying his medication or food, stating, “I bought the pills for 9,000 pesos, but I don’t know if I should eat or buy the pills, because it’s just too expensive.”
This young man’s testimony adds to those of other Cubans who report that even visiting a hospital isn’t free as they must bring everything— from syringes and gloves to the most basic medications. The authorities themselves have admitted that the country only guarantees 30% of the essential medication list.
The stories of Cubans both inside and outside the island highlight an ever-widening gap in access to essential services, particularly in healthcare.
Understanding the Healthcare Struggles in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of medicines in Cuba?
The scarcity of medicines in Cuba is largely due to government mismanagement and economic difficulties, compounded by the U.S. embargo that limits imports, including medical supplies.
How does the medicine availability in El Salvador compare to Cuba?
In El Salvador, over-the-counter medicines are readily available, showcasing a striking contrast to the limited access to basic medications that Cubans face due to severe shortages.