On Saturday, Cuba's Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda marked Pharmaceutical Workers' Day in a country ironically grappling with a medicine shortage amidst an epidemiological crisis.
"On Pharmaceutical Workers' Day in Cuba, from MINSAP, we salute those who, despite daily challenges, perform an essential role for the National Health System. Thank you for the commitment you bring to each day," the official expressed on X.
Amid an outbreak of arboviral diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya, Cuba faces a dire lack of medications. The regime has resorted to suggesting alternative solutions, such as preparing homemade oral rehydration solutions due to the inability to provide basic pharmaceuticals.
On Friday, the minister acknowledged the "national epidemiological situation" and emphasized the need for heightened clinical-epidemiological surveillance in light of various circulating viruses, as well as the monitoring of severe and critical patients in different centers.
Portal Miranda, who has been criticized for his low profile in recent weeks, warned that medical care under any circumstances hinges on the organization and problem-solving capabilities of hospitals and clinics, alongside the responsiveness of emergency services in affected areas.
According to official figures released on Friday, 31,513 individuals have been diagnosed with suspected chikungunya, a disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue. The virus is currently circulating in 14 provinces, 99 municipalities, and 164 health areas.
A total of 5,713 patients remain hospitalized with suspected chikungunya, with 5,607 of them at home and the remainder in medical facilities.
Additionally, 95 individuals are in intensive care units, with 77 in severe condition and 18 critically ill. Of the severely ill patients, 63 are under the age of 18, and among the critically ill, 16 are children.
Understanding Cuba’s Health Crisis
What is the current health crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing an epidemiological crisis with outbreaks of arboviral diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya, compounded by a severe shortage of medicines.
How is Cuba addressing the medicine shortage?
The Cuban regime has suggested alternative solutions, such as preparing homemade oral rehydration solutions, due to the inability to provide essential medications.
What are the statistics on chikungunya in Cuba?
As of the latest reports, 31,513 individuals have been diagnosed with suspected chikungunya, and the virus is present in 14 provinces, 99 municipalities, and 164 health areas.