Cuba's ongoing medication shortage has taken a severe toll on its population, with vulnerable groups being hit the hardest, as highlighted in a report by the newspaper Venceremos. According to the Guantánamo branch of the Empresa Comercializadora de Medicamentos (EMCOMED), the primary drivers of this supply crisis include a scarcity of raw materials, limited funding in the pharmaceutical sector, unavailable imported drugs, and issues with supplier contracts.
EMCOMED's statement noted that the shortage predominantly impacts the Maternal and Child Health Program and the availability of controlled medicines. Key affected categories are antihypertensives, diabetes-related medications, ophthalmology, respiratory system treatments, and antibiotics, among others.
Additionally, there is a significant delay in distributing sanitary pads to registered women due to raw material shortages, whereas cotton packages for diabetics and those with colostomies are still being provided. The medication shortage crisis in Cuba has worsened over recent years. A report from the Ministry of Public Health last December indicated that over 70% of essential drugs were unavailable, translating to more than 460 basic medications missing from shelves.
Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma face serious challenges in obtaining their treatments, threatening their health. In response, the Cuban government has implemented rationing measures for medication sales in pharmacies, such as designated purchasing days based on medical consultation schedules, leading to long lines and growing frustration among patients.
Due to the scarcity, many Cubans turn to the black market, where medication prices have skyrocketed. For instance, a bottle of amoxicillin can fetch up to 300 pesos on the informal market. Reports have emerged of individuals camping overnight outside pharmacies to secure a spot in line and obtain the limited medications available.
Cuban authorities have acknowledged the severity of the situation and introduced some temporary measures, like extending the tariff exemption for travelers importing medications from abroad. However, both experts and citizens remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these actions in resolving the crisis.
As the problem lingers, the most vulnerable patients, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, continue to suffer the most from Cuba's medication shortage.
Understanding Cuba's Medication Shortage Crisis
What are the main causes of the medication shortage in Cuba?
The primary causes include a lack of raw materials, limited pharmaceutical industry funding, unavailable imported medications, and issues with supplier contracts.
Which groups are most affected by the medication shortage?
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are the most affected.
How is the Cuban government addressing the medication shortage?
The government has implemented rationing measures in pharmacies and extended tariff exemptions for importing medications by travelers, though these measures' effectiveness is questioned.