The Cuban Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, has openly acknowledged the severe crisis plaguing the nation's healthcare system, admitting that the government will not be able to address the shortage of resources, medications, and medical supplies in the short term.
During a televised appearance, Portal Miranda outlined a series of "organization and rationalization" strategies aimed at preventing the sector's collapse amidst Cuba's severe fuel crisis.
The minister emphasized that the plan does not mean abandoning the principles of the Cuban health system, but rather aims to "preserve the essentials," by directing resources to where they are most needed and ensuring the continuity of basic services.
However, he conceded that the scarcity of medications and supplies is an undeniable "reality" affecting both the population and the system's functionality.
In his address, Portal Miranda once again blamed the U.S. embargo for the crisis, although he admitted that this issue is "not new" and that current shortages have reached critical levels.
"We are not going to solve resource problems," he stated, emphasizing that the regime's response will focus on enhancing efficiency, organization, and control over the limited resources available.
The main strategies announced by the Ministry of Public Health include:
- Reorganizing services in clinics and hospitals lacking sufficient electrical support.
- Giving absolute priority to maternal and child health programs, oncology, and terminal patient care.
- Reducing healthcare personnel mobility and adjusting staff levels without "compromising" essential services.
- Limiting surgical activities to urgent and emergency cases.
- Minimizing hospital stays whenever possible.
- Increasing municipal-level medical attention to avoid unnecessary transfers.
- Strengthening the family doctor and nurse program.
- Prioritizing diagnostic tools for critical cases and emphasizing clinical methods.
- Promoting telemedicine.
- Recommending natural and traditional medicine.
- Prioritizing fuel for ambulances and support for vulnerable social institutions.
Portal Miranda assured that "no patient will be left unattended," yet his words confirmed that the Cuban healthcare system is entering a survival phase, driven more by the need to stave off imminent collapse than by implementing real solutions to its structural crisis.
These statements emerge in a particularly tense context, with the energy crisis worsening and increased pressure from Washington. President Donald J. Trump described the Cuban regime as a threat to the United States and warned of sanctions related to the Island's oil supply, a decision that directly impacts key sectors like healthcare.
Understanding Cuba's Health Crisis
What are the main challenges facing Cuba's healthcare system?
Cuba's healthcare system is grappling with severe shortages of resources, medications, and medical supplies, compounded by a critical fuel crisis.
How is the Cuban government addressing the healthcare crisis?
The government is implementing measures focused on organization and rationalization, aiming to preserve essential services and direct resources where they are most needed.
What role does the U.S. embargo play in Cuba's healthcare issues?
The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo for exacerbating the healthcare crisis, although it acknowledges that the current shortages have reached unprecedented levels.