• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 05 / 13 / 2011

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2011.05.12 - 13:09:57 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu. U.S. Blockade Obstructs Cuba’s Access to Advanced Anesthetics. HAVANA, Cuba.- For more than 20 years, Washington’s economic, financial and trade blockade against Cuba have prevented the Caribbean nation from having access to an advanced anesthetic for children because the U.S. has the patent on medical product or because it is sold by laboratories with licenses in the North American country.

This is the case of the inhalant SevoFlo (sevoflurane), from Abbott Laboratories, which is the main inhalant anesthetic for using in human infants and children, according to Humberto Sainz, president of the Cuban Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation.

SevoFlo also reduces the risks of heart attacks, arrhythmia and ischemia during surgeries on patients suffering from cardiac diseases.

Sainz also mentioned the Dexmedetomidine, a sedative medication used by intensive care units and anesthetists, which is relatively unique in its ability to provide sedation without causing respiratory depression.

He added that, only a few days ago, Cuba was supposed to receive face masks for non-invasive lung ventilation from a European firm, but they sent a note explaining that it was impossible for them to send them because the United States holds the patent for this product.

Sainz explained that, in order to mitigate the effects of this genocidal policy, the national pharmaceutical industry currently produces 60% of all anesthesia-related medicines used in Cuba.

The Ninth Cuban Congress of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy is underway in Havana with the participation of nearly 270 national specialists and several professors from Spain and Mexico.
 
(ACN)