The severe shortage of medical supplies in Cuba is a critical issue, significantly worsening the health conditions of its citizens. Even basic medical items such as syringes are unavailable, impeding the ability to administer injections for minor ailments. A resident of Manzanillo shared his distressing experience when he sought emergency care at a local health center.
At 4:00 a.m., his girlfriend began experiencing intense abdominal pain, likely due to a gastritis flare-up. Upon arriving at the Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico, he was dismayed to find a group of young specialists engaged in conversation, seemingly unaware of the patient's arrival. "Good morning, can someone please attend to my girlfriend?" he pleaded. A young doctor eventually approached them but offered little help: "I can give her an injection, but there are no syringes available at the hospital."
Frustrated, he questioned, "Where can I find a syringe at this hour? Is this even a hospital? What's happening in Cuba? People are dying, where are the Revolution's achievements?"
Public Outcry and Similar Experiences
In the comments section of the post, numerous Cubans shared similar experiences. "There's no shame left; everything must be purchased, and they even sell the syringes themselves... I went through this with my father," one commenter revealed.
Another added, "That's the sad reality we live in. They claim there's nothing, but in any market in Havana, you see all kinds of medicines, and I clarify, they're not foreign because Medilip is only in Cuba. In La Cuevita, you'll find whatever you need."
A different user lamented, "You won't see any achievements of the Revolution because they don't exist. Misery reigns in this country, and it will only get worse. We have to arrive at these institutions fully prepared to resolve issues ourselves."
Tragic Consequences of Medical Shortages
In August, a Cuban doctor, Roberto Edelso Ramírez, tragically passed away in Cienfuegos due to a lack of medical supplies for coronary care patients. Coupled with an apparent lack of response from the hospital staff, this led to his unfortunate demise at the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital.
Another incident occurred in Guantánamo, where an elderly man was denied medical care and sent home without receiving first aid, essentially left to die.
Government Acknowledgment and Continuing Challenges
At the beginning of the year, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that the shortage of medicines and medical supplies would persist on the island, where pharmacies remain empty, and numerous essential items are missing. In a meeting with health sector officials, Díaz-Canel highlighted the systemic issues like "the sale of services."
"In the face of shortages, the best response we can offer our population during these challenging times is the quality of services. We will continue to face shortages, especially in medications," he stated.