Dr. Maylin Beltrán Delgado, head of the Pharmacy Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), addressed the nation on Wednesday during a Round Table discussion to clarify the operational guidelines for private pharmacies in Cuba. This new initiative introduced by the regime has sparked widespread confusion among the public.
During her presentation, Beltrán emphasized that narcotics, psychotropics, and similar substances are currently excluded from private sales, along with drugs intended exclusively for hospital use. She stated, "There is a group of products whose sale is restricted due to their institutional or hospital-exclusive use. Drugs that are narcotics, psychotropics, and substances with similar effects have different controls." However, she hinted that pharmacies with a high technical level and proven track record might eventually be allowed to sell these products.
Beltrán also mentioned that although steps have been taken, these new non-state management forms have not yet received approval. "As of today, no pharmacy of this type has been approved in the country. We expect to have one soon as we are streamlining processes and eliminating construction obstacles," she stated.
Key Requirements for Private Pharmacies
To operate, Beltrán highlighted three fundamental requirements: all products must have a health registration issued by the Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment, and Medical Devices (CECMED) or the Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology; premises must obtain an operational license after meeting specific infrastructure standards; and each pharmacy must have at least one professional pharmacist as director or technical manager. "At least one pharmacist is necessary," Beltrán reiterated.
A training course has also been developed for owners and their teams, focusing on the National Medicines Program and Pharmacy Regulations.
Supply Challenges and Integration
Regarding supply, the import of medicines for these private establishments will remain exclusive to authorized state entities. "Currently, we have Medicuba and Pharmacuba, which have years of experience importing these products and understand the requirements," Beltrán noted, adding that more importers could join in the future, provided they obtain the necessary licenses.
Private pharmacies will not replace the state network but will complement it, Beltrán explained. "These pharmacies managed by economic actors will be part of the unified community pharmacy system we aim to establish across all communities," she stated. Additionally, existing state pharmacy locations will not be leased for this new model.
Current Progress and Economic Context
Beltrán reported that during the pilot phase, 76 applications were received, with 41 economic actors submitting formal projects. Seven have been authorized to operate, though they are still resolving issues to obtain final operational licenses.
This opening is part of Decree 160/2026, effective since August 4, which transformed pharmaceutical services—previously off-limits to the private sector—into an authorized activity for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) and non-agricultural cooperatives. These changes are part of a broader package of 176 economic measures presented to the National Assembly in June of this year.
Underlying these reforms is an unprecedented supply crisis: the government admitted in August that only 30% of the essential medicine inventory was available in the state network, meaning about seven out of ten essential drugs were missing for the population.
In this context, many Cubans have resorted to alternative methods to obtain medicines not regularly found in state pharmacies.
A supposed private pharmacy in Regla, Havana, showcased medicines, vitamins, and natural products priced in the thousands of pesos. One employee explained that an expansion was in the works and that the project was being "analyzed and authorized" by the authorities.
Understanding Private Pharmacies in Cuba
What types of drugs are excluded from private pharmacy sales in Cuba?
Narcotics, psychotropics, and substances with similar effects, along with hospital-use-exclusive drugs, are currently excluded from private pharmacy sales in Cuba.
Are private pharmacies a replacement for state-owned pharmacies in Cuba?
No, private pharmacies will not replace state-owned pharmacies. Instead, they will integrate into the existing network, providing additional support and resources.
What is the status of the pilot program for private pharmacies in Cuba?
As of now, 76 applications have been received for the pilot program, with 41 formal projects submitted. Seven have received authorization to operate, pending final licensing.