The Cuban Ministry of Public Health has introduced new guidelines this Friday, tightening the conditions under which doctors, technicians, and other healthcare workers can practice. These regulations enforce compliance with specific qualification requirements and outline procedures for suspending or disqualifying professionals.
Issued on September 15, Resolution 115/2026 replaces the previous Resolution 282 from June 2014, which was established under the old Labor Code. The new regulation has been published in the Gaceta Oficial No. 78 Ordinaria.
This update is in response to Law No.189, the recently approved Labor Code by the National Assembly on July 30. Article 6 of this law mandates that healthcare professionals and technicians adhere to complementary labor provisions.
The legislation allowed the Ministry of Public Health a 45-day period to present these updated regulations to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, a deadline met by the new resolution.
The guidelines apply to graduates from health sector educational institutions holding positions related to patient care, recovery, rehabilitation, teaching, and research within the National Health System. It also includes those with higher and technical professional education from other organizations providing services in the sector.
Essential Qualification Requirements
A key aspect of the regulation is the requirement for qualification, deemed essential for practicing the profession. Professionals must present a degree or equivalent certification, be registered in the Health Professionals and Technicians Registry, possess a legalized stamp and signature for doctors and dentists, pass assessments set by the Ministry of Public Health, and demonstrate the necessary competencies for their roles. Additionally, they must not be suspended or disqualified.
Employers are responsible for verifying these qualifications before entering into a work relationship and must document the registration in the employee's work file.
Regulation of Specialization and Employment Control
The resolution also outlines rules for the specialization of doctors and dentists, demonstrated capabilities, and reasons for temporary suspension or professional disqualification.
Provincial health directors are tasked with overseeing the employment behavior of professionals and technicians within each region's entities. According to the guidelines, they must adopt necessary measures to balance the workforce in line with healthcare service demands.
In addition to the new regulations, the Gaceta Oficial No. 78 Ordinaria also includes Law 189, Decree 179/2026 on labor offenses, and other Ministry of Public Health norms, such as Resolution 114/2026 concerning occupational diseases and Resolution 116/2026 on occupational health examinations.
The publication of these new guidelines comes amid reports of pressure on Cuban doctors seeking to practice independently abroad. In this context, the new qualification, suspension, and disqualification rules expand the regulatory framework governing professional practice within the National Health System.
FAQs on New Healthcare Regulations in Cuba
What are the key changes introduced by the new healthcare regulation in Cuba?
The new regulation enforces stricter qualification requirements for healthcare professionals, introduces procedures for suspension or disqualification, and assigns provincial health directors the responsibility of controlling employment within their regions.
Who is affected by these new regulations?
The regulations apply to graduates from health-related educational institutions and other organizations, encompassing positions directly or indirectly involved in healthcare, teaching, and research within the National Health System.