Cuban Criticism of Díaz-Canel's Claims of Readiness Amidst Medicine Shortage

Recent remarks by Miguel Díaz-Canel on Cuba's supposed readiness to handle a potential hantavirus threat have sparked widespread criticism on social media. Many Cubans are questioning the government's claims of healthcare preparedness as basic medications remain scarce in pharmacies and hospitals.

In a Facebook post, Díaz-Canel stated that the country has a "robust surveillance system" and "valuable experience from COVID-19" to detect and address epidemiological risks "in a timely manner." He added that while there is no reason for alarm, there is a need for vigilance and individual responsibility.

The statements came after Díaz-Canel led a meeting with experts and scientists to assess the international hantavirus situation, following an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which reported 11 confirmed cases and three deaths by May 13.

Public Outcry Over Health Concerns

Comments on social media highlighted the rampant garbage and rodent issues across Cuban cities. "We have breeding grounds out in the open, not on ships or cruises," one user remarked, while another warned that "Cuba has all the epidemiological conditions for virus transmission."

References to unsanitary conditions and overflowing garbage dumps were frequent. "First things first: start by collecting the trash," demanded one commenter. From Holguín, another Cuban lamented, "The garbage is consuming us," as numerous users stressed that the health crisis begins in the streets, not at the borders.

Criticism of Medical Infrastructure

There was also significant criticism directed at the state of hospitals and pharmacies. "There isn't even a single IV in hospitals," one commentator wrote. Another person expressed frustration, stating they were "tired of hearing that Cuba is a medical power when it lacks medication for people with various ailments."

Several users recalled the government's handling of recent dengue, chikungunya, and hepatitis outbreaks. "They said the same thing with chikungunya until half the country got sick," one woman noted. Another comment summed up the distrust toward the official narrative: "They couldn't control chikungunya or the hepatitis outbreak, and now they claim Cuba is prepared."

Disconnection Between Rhetoric and Reality

Sarcasm also targeted the frequent official meetings and the disconnect between political rhetoric and everyday reality. "The country that broke records in meetings and produces nothing," one user quipped. Another commented, "Solid surveillance system? Just walk the streets and see the garbage piles and empty pharmacies."

Some comments accused the government of trying to divert attention from the country's internal crisis. "Now they entertain the people with this for a while," one user remarked, while another summed up the prevailing tone: "It's hard to tell if it's a joke or an insult."

The contrast between official discourse and reality can be documented with government figures: only 30% of essential medications are available nationwide, the Minister of Public Health acknowledged before the National Assembly.

Of the 651 essential drugs, 461 are completely unavailable or have low coverage in 2026.

In January, the country had to import aspirin from China through bilateral cooperation, leading to widespread mockery of the so-called "medical power."

A survey of 1,788 Cubans published on May 11 revealed that 54.2% face severe barriers to obtaining medications, and 48.1% lack adequate medical care.

Hospitals are operating with power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day, with non-urgent surgeries suspended and patients sleeping on the floor due to a lack of beds.

Against this backdrop, Díaz-Canel's assertion that Cuba has "the proven capacity of our science to protect our people" was received as propaganda disconnected from daily life.

During the meeting, Dr. Carilda Peña García, Deputy Minister of Public Health, noted that hantavirus has no historical precedent in Cuba and none of the island's 14 native rodent species are virus reservoirs. However, she warned that the incubation period can be up to eight weeks, making it possible for infected individuals to arrive with no visible symptoms.

Authorities announced increased sanitary inspections at ports, airports, and marinas to detect rodents on aircraft and ships, while the WHO assessed the global risk as low, and its director-general declared that hantavirus "is not another COVID-19."