The Cuban pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry faces severe difficulties due to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government for more than six decades. According to statements by Mayda Mauri, president of the BioCubaFarma Business Group, coercive measures are currently preventing the acquisition of raw materials and supplies for the manufacture of approximately 300 of the 395 medications that make up the island’s essential healthcare formulary.
Given this situation, BioCubaFarma is working in coordination with the Cuban Ministry of Public Health to optimize available resources. The current strategy prioritizes the production of medications and supplies for emergency medical services and the care of critically ill patients, such as serums and supplies for hemodialysis.
Mauri Pérez explained that the production of generic medications faces greater obstacles because it depends on the importation of raw materials that require budgets exceeding $250 million.
To counteract these financial limitations, the official explained that the state-owned institution is strengthening its international alliances and business relationships by exporting innovative biotechnology products that hold patents and international scientific recognition. “Revenues from exports of innovative biotechnology products are allocated to support domestic production,” she stated.
Regarding this commercial activity, the president of BioCubaFarma emphasized that the company never sells abroad medications that are in short supply or scarce within Cuba.
As part of its strategic development, BioCubaFarma considers bilateral cooperation with allied nations essential. In this regard, ties are being strengthened with China, Vietnam, and Russia, countries where the first joint ventures are already operating under a mutually beneficial model, which is crucial for sustaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Cuban pharmaceutical sector.
Despite the current restrictions, which have intensified since January of this year when Washington imposed an oil embargo, the Cuban authorities continue working for the well-being of the population. The production of 16 cytostatic drugs for the National Cancer Patient Care Program has recently resumed in Cuba.
According to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, each drug produced represents sovereignty, hope, and a commitment to the right to health, demonstrating the government’s dedication to improving the health of Cubans.
IMAGE CREDIT: The production of generic medicines faces greater obstacles, as it depends on the importation of raw materials that require budgets exceeding $250 million. Photo: Cuban Diplomatic Missions Abroad.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
