Washington’s blockade is severely impacting Cuba’s health system, with a direct effect on the daily lives of the population, stated Deputy Minister of Health Carilda Peña García during a televised appearance.
Peña García explained that in the current scenario, access to medical supplies is one of the main deficiencies of the health system, which has forced the implementation of preventive measures to maintain basic services.
Currently, 95,555 people are waiting for surgical procedures in the country. Of these, 5,152 require cancer interventions, and 2,888 hemodialysis patients face difficulties in their treatments due to failures in the water and electricity supply.
The problems stemming from the blockade also affect hospital infrastructure, with elevators out of service, limitations in laundry services, structural deterioration of facilities, and transportation difficulties that hinder both the transfer of supplies and the mobility of doctors and nurses.
Despite these limitations, the vice minister stressed that the sector’s policy is “to try to maintain services as much as possible and make optimal use of existing resources,” avoiding the closure of health institutions.
Another challenge highlighted is the proliferation of epidemics, linked to fuel shortages for waste collection. The accumulation of garbage and water leaks exacerbate the environmental and health situation in several areas of the country.
The Ministry of Health warned that these conditions increase the vulnerability of the population and demand urgent action to guarantee hygiene and epidemiological control, amidst a context marked by the energy crisis.
The official statement emphasized that Washington’s coercive measures not only affect the national economy but also promote human rights violations by limiting citizens’ access to essential medical services.
IMAGE CREDIT: Despite these limitations, the deputy minister emphasized that the sector’s policy is “to try to maintain services as much as possible and make optimal use of existing resources,” avoiding the closure of health institutions. Photo: Escambray/Archive.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
