Cuba’s health care system is nearing collapse amidst a worsening economic crisis exacerbated by U.S. sanctions on oil imports, according to statements from Cuban officials. The country’s Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged that the existing health care challenges have escalated recently, with ambulances struggling due to a lack of fuel for emergency responses and hospitals suffering from persistent outages.
The health care system, already strained by chronic shortages of supplies, medical staff, and medications, is now on the brink of facing a humanitarian crisis, as warned by experts and leaders from other nations. Minister Portal highlighted that about 5 million Cubans with chronic illnesses stand to be significantly affected, including patients needing urgent cancer treatments. Critical areas such as cardiovascular care, orthopedics, and emergency services are among those most severely impacted.
The situation has deteriorated in light of recent executive actions by former President Donald Trump, which included imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and curtailing Venezuelan oil shipments. This loss of fuel sources has placed immense pressure on a nation that produces only 40% of its own oil and has long depended on allies for support.
Cuban citizens are bearing the brunt of these sanctions, facing hardship as public transport routes diminish, strict rationing of gasoline is enforced, and widespread power outages occur. The standard of living has noticeably declined, as expressed by residents like Aniliet Rodríguez, who cited difficulties in accessing essential foods and medications.
While Cuba’s healthcare framework prides itself on offering universal and free access to medical services through a network of local clinics, the pandemic and subsequent emigration of thousands of medical professionals have contributed to its decline. Patients increasingly turn to the black market for medicines, highlighting the severity of the shortage.
As conditions are projected to worsen, the government is implementing adjustments, such as installing solar panels in clinics and focusing on prioritizing care for children and the elderly. However, it has also led to restrictions on advanced medical technology. Portal stated, “We are facing an energy siege with direct implications for the lives of Cubans,” underscoring the crisis’s threat to basic human safety.
Despite the staggering challenges, there is a sense of resilience among the Cubans as efforts to adapt to the crisis continue. This adaptability may prove crucial as the nation navigates a complex landscape of health care and economic unrest.