Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that Cuba's healthcare system represents a "central social achievement of the nation and therefore cannot be neglected," during the closing ceremony of a visit by the Central Committee of the Communist Party to the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) and various health institutions, as reported by official media.
The leader emphasized that in Cuba, "healthcare is a fundamental human right, an accomplishment of the Revolution, and not a commodity or privilege." These assertions starkly contrast with the realities reported by Cubans and partially acknowledged by the regime itself.
During the same event, Díaz-Canel admitted that over 90,000 individuals are awaiting surgical procedures on the island. He also noted that tens of thousands face difficulties accessing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and dialysis, and that more than 34,000 pregnant women lack necessary medical check-ups. Despite these issues, he attributed the situation to the United States' "blockade."
The Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged that the system's limitations generate "justified dissatisfaction from the population regarding the services we provide." He admitted shortages of medications, consumables, reagents, and high-tech equipment, along with issues such as broken elevators, boilers, generators, laundry equipment, water supply, cold storage, and medical transport, with recovery plans that "are insufficient."
Public reactions quickly surfaced. After a video of Díaz-Canel's visit to the William Soler Pediatric Hospital was released, Cubans took to social media to challenge him with questions like "Did they show you the bathrooms, did you see the ambulances?" highlighting that only the best-maintained areas of the facility were showcased. Earlier photographs had revealed deteriorated bathrooms, toilets without lids, mold, and rusted sinks in the same pediatric hospital.
This past weekend, a portion of the front structure of the Carlos Enrique Font Pupo Teaching Clinical-Surgical Hospital in Banes, Holguín, collapsed. This section had been closed due to collapse risk since August 2026, without any repairs being carried out.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Challenges
What did Díaz-Canel say about Cuba's healthcare system?
Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba's healthcare is a central social achievement and a fundamental human right, not a commodity or privilege.
What issues are currently affecting Cuba's healthcare system?
The system faces significant challenges, including long waits for surgeries, difficulties in accessing treatments like radiotherapy and dialysis, and shortages of medications and medical equipment.
How did Cubans respond to Díaz-Canel's visit to a hospital?
Cubans criticized Díaz-Canel on social media, questioning whether he saw the true conditions of the facilities, as only well-maintained areas were shown during his visit.