It is a reality: for decades, the figures and historical achievements of the National Health System have had to contend with the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States government—a policy that, for more than sixty years, has sought to suffocate an entire nation and has, in recent times, evolved into a qualitatively different, far more aggressive, and inhumane phase.
This was the assessment presented at the 22nd Forum of Cuban Civil Society against the Blockade, where it was argued that this genocidal policy represents the cruelest and most ruthless form of isolating an entire population—a reality that manifests daily in Cuban medical clinics, hospitals, and homes.
José Armando Arronte, head of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap), explained that the situation is further complicated by an "energy strangulation" and the unjust inclusion of Cuba on a list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism. These false pretexts have pushed the hardships faced by all Cubans—and the healthcare system in particular—to an extreme.
He highlighted that more than 100,000 patients are currently awaiting surgery, 12,000 of whom are children. Consequently, the Ministry of Public Health has been forced to prioritize oncological procedures and surgeries essential for survival, in an effort to prevent premature deaths.
Furthermore, 39,750 pregnant women require diagnostic ultrasounds that cannot be performed in a timely manner, and 67,000 children under the age of one face challenges in maintaining their immunization schedules, as it is not possible to guarantee the "cold chain" required for vaccines across all regions. He noted that the infant mortality rate—which for years remained below five per 1,000 live births—ended 2025 at 9.6; this figure, while comparatively low for the region, does not reflect the quality of the Cuban system or the capability of its professionals.
CANCER, HEMODIALYSIS, AND MEDICATIONS
Survival rates for children with cancer have dropped drastically, and it has become necessary to resort to second- and third-line treatments due to a lack of alternatives.
Currently, 16,000 patients are receiving radiotherapy, 12,400 are undergoing chemotherapy, and 3,000 depend on hemodialysis. However, only 30% of the essential list of medications is being supplied. Pharmacies lack insulin, antihypertensives, and agents used for diagnostic examinations.
In this regard, Armando Arronte stated that the company MediCuba S.A. has reported the detention of 100 shipping containers—including 10 containing intravenous lines, fistula needles, and dialyzers essential for hemodialysis—which are being held in Jamaica.
The obstacle is that "the French shipping company cannot transport them for fear of United States sanctions."
Medical equipment has also suffered severe deterioration: out of 68 computed tomography (CT) scanners, only 32 are functional (41%); of nine angiographic systems, only four remain operational; of 21 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, barely four are working; and linear accelerators for radiotherapy have a technical availability rate of 33.3% as of 2025, it was noted.
"The defense of the right to health as a fundamental human right must take precedence over any political or economic interest," the statement concluded.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
The blockade has also limited comprehensive care for pregnant women. A shortage of essential medications to prevent postpartum hemorrhage—a leading cause of maternal mortality in Cuba—has led to an increase in cases of severe hemorrhaging, a rise in the number of patients with anemia, and a greater need for blood transfusions and emergency medical interventions.
Dr. Dayana Couto, president of the Cuban Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, emphasized that many pregnant women have faced difficulties in accessing ultrasounds, genetic testing, and specialized medical services. This has hindered the early detection of infectious diseases and delayed timely care.
"The lack of resources has even forced healthcare professionals to use the light from a mobile phone to complete a delivery or a cesarean section during emergencies, due to a lack of oxygen supplies."
Likewise, she added that the lack of contraceptives, condoms, and infertility treatments affects the life plans of individuals, couples, and families.
For her part, Osmayda Hernández Beleño, a member of the national secretariat of the Federation of Cuban Women, added that the limitations imposed by "this criminal blockade" do not fall upon abstract structures; rather, they fall upon human beings and communities—and disproportionately upon women, who sustain daily life and shoulder the greatest burden of domestic work.
"Often, it is women who must figure out how to store and preserve food, secure water for the household, care for children, adolescents, the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities—all while reorganizing family and work schedules and addressing the myriad needs that arise when basic services are unstable."
Furthermore, she noted that it "limits women’s rest and personal time, and hinders their ability to participate fully in employment, education, social and community life, and decision-making spaces—even though Cuba has achieved excellent results in this regard."
Meanwhile, Norma Goicochea, president of the Cuban United Nations Association, pointed out that the blockade against the largest of the Antilles violates the right to self-determination by disregarding the sovereign decision of the Cuban people regarding the political and social system they desire for their nation.
It was denounced that this also violates the principles of freedom of navigation and trade—a fact evidenced by the detention of more than 7,000 containers bound for Cuba in ports across various regions of the world.
In their view, this policy constitutes the primary obstacle to the country’s economic and social development, as well as to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Meanwhile, the Cuban people endure. Yet, the blockade is a genocidal reality that claims lives every single day," they asserted.
