Private Clinic in Camagüey Claims $30 Consultations and $105 Checkups Were Merely a "Test"

A private establishment in Camagüey recently shared a price list featuring internal medicine and cardiology consultations for $30, along with a lab checkup priced at $105. However, the business later retracted the announcement, claiming it was merely a "test" and that such services were not actually available. This contradiction raises questions about the advertised offerings and the Cuban government's ongoing restrictions on private medical practice.

The center in question is Dalia Spa, located on 9th Street between 8th and 10th in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood. CubaNet documented both the offer and the subsequent retraction in a report published on October 7. The investigation included images of the circulated catalog, statements from involved parties, and direct communication with the spa.

There is no verified evidence that Dalia Spa conducted any of the advertised medical consultations or procedures, nor that it charged the stated fees. The known facts include the promotion of these services and the conflicting accounts documented by CubaNet.

Details of the Price List

According to the reviewed price list, Dalia Spa offered a comprehensive internal medicine consultation for $30 and an initial cardiology consultation for the same price. Follow-up consultations and interconsultations were listed at $15 each.

The ultrasound services included thyroid scans for $25, breast exams for $30, pelvic exams for $35, and both obstetric and transvaginal studies for $40 each. An abdominal ultrasound was priced at $45.

The catalog also mentioned gynecological procedures: intrauterine device (IUD) insertion at $25, removal at $15, cervical cytology or Pap smear at $80, among other treatments. A full laboratory checkup commanded one of the highest fees at $105.

These figures were advertised prices and do not serve as evidence of actual payments, performed diagnostics, or proper licensing to offer such services.

Business Denial of Service Availability

The CubaNet investigation includes testimony from a Dalia Spa employee who requested anonymity. According to this source, the spa had permission to operate as a spa and provide certain dental services while awaiting a license to expand its offerings. The employee confirmed the existence of the service prices.

Additionally, CubaNet obtained a statement from a visitor to the spa who claimed they were assured of the availability of some advertised services. This account is testimonial rather than independent verification that medical procedures were performed.

When CubaNet directly inquired via WhatsApp, Dalia Spa's response was that the advertisement was a "test," and those services were not available.

No administrative authorization has been released to verify which services the business is licensed to provide. As such, no claims about a dental license can be confirmed, nor can any legal infractions be concluded without first determining what, if any, services were actually rendered.

Legal Context in Cuba

The legal framework is particularly pertinent given that Decree 160/2026 from the Council of Ministers, published in the Official Gazette on July 28 and effective from August 4, categorizes medical and social care activities—including dental services—as unauthorized for non-state economic actors.

This regulation does allow for certain pharmaceutical, optical, and rehabilitation activities under specific authorizations. However, such exceptions do not amount to a general permit for private internal medicine or cardiology consultations or for offering clinical diagnostic procedures.

CiberCuba reported when the government reaffirmed these restrictions on private medical practice, despite the challenges faced by the public healthcare system.

Additionally, Public Health Law 165 enshrines the public and free nature of health services as organized by the state. The presence of these regulations underscores the need to clearly differentiate a beauty business from a medically authorized facility.

Financial Implications for Cubans

The issue of the announced prices transcends the legality of the services. Resolution 14/2026 from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security set the monthly minimum wage in Cuba at 3,210 Cuban pesos (CUP) as of July. This figure does not reflect the wages of all workers.

For context, the informal market rate published by CiberCuba on Thursday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. placed the U.S. dollar at 768 CUP. At this rate, a consultation priced at $30 would equal approximately 23,040 CUP, or more than seven monthly minimum wages. The lab checkup at $105 would convert to about 80,640 CUP, equating to over 25 monthly minimum wages.

These calculations are based on a specific informal exchange rate and do not represent actual prices in pesos or guaranteed official conversions. The business later denied that these services were ever available.

A Dollar-Based Offer Amidst a Health Crisis

The catalog's release occurs amid a deteriorating healthcare situation in Cuba, characterized by material and energy shortages. In Camagüey, for instance, CiberCuba documented a generator fire at the provincial Pediatric Hospital in July, which led to temporary solutions to maintain electricity in various areas, as reported by staff.

The demand for alternatives due to deficiencies in state services explains the interest in analysis and consultation offerings. However, this societal need does not confirm that the services advertised by Dalia Spa were ever provided.

The investigation leaves three unresolved questions: why the price list was published in dollars, what licenses the establishment actually holds, and whether any of the advertised medical services were offered. Until these points are verified, the central issue remains the discrepancy between the promotional material and the business's later claim of it being merely a test.