An elderly woman, aged 74, spent three days in line at a pharmacy in Camagüey, hoping to obtain her medications this Thursday. The story of this lady, named Marta, was shared on Wednesday by Camagüey journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who was moved by the ordeal of this woman.
"Many elderly people are here, standing in line without knowing what will be available. When you ask the pharmacists, they don't know; it's all luck," commented the woman, reflecting the uncertainty and exhaustion she and other seniors in similar situations face.
Marta lives on a pension of 1,500 pesos, an amount that barely allows her to make ends meet and does not cover even her basic needs. On the black market, the cost of the medications she needs is double her pension, making the situation even more challenging, pointed out the journalist.
"In her right hand, Marta holds a white nylon bag with a water bottle that will accompany her all afternoon. Her face shows the marks of the sun, and her skin the weariness and wounds of life," noted Tan Estrada.
"She walks a few steps and sits on the waiting bench, alongside other people with the same wrinkles and more," he expressed.
Impact of Economic Crisis on the Elderly in Cuba
The economic crisis in Cuba has hit the elderly particularly hard, leaving them with insufficient pensions to meet their basic needs. Furthermore, as the most vulnerable age group to illnesses, the growing shortage of medications affects them especially severely.
In May, another elderly Cuban woman reported that people have to spend the night outside pharmacies in hopes of getting the medications they need the next day. Carmen Pérez Martín shared a photo on her Facebook profile showing her sitting on a small bench in a doorway, waiting for her turn.
Nearby, another elderly man with his head down also waits: "Many slept outside the pharmacy, hoping to get the medication we need. Life is just one long line after another. And we keep enduring," she lamented.
Unfortunately, the hardships faced by the elderly in Cuba will continue. In July, the Minister of Public Health in Cuba, José Angel Portal Miranda, informed the deputies of the Health and Sports Commission of the Cuban Parliament that the shortage of medications in pharmacies across the country would persist.
"Saying that this situation will be resolved in the coming days would be irresponsible," the minister stated, justifying the shortages due to lack of funding and internal organizational problems, as reported by the official portal CubaDebate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Shortages in Cuba
Below are some common questions and answers regarding the ongoing medication shortages in Cuba, particularly affecting the elderly population.
Why are there long lines at pharmacies in Cuba?
The long lines are due to severe medication shortages, caused by lack of funding and internal organizational issues within the health system.
How are the elderly in Cuba affected by the medication shortages?
The elderly are particularly vulnerable due to their limited pensions and higher susceptibility to illnesses, making the shortage of medications especially severe for them.
What has the Cuban government said about resolving the medication shortages?
The government has acknowledged the issue but has indicated that the situation is unlikely to be resolved in the near future due to financial and organizational challenges.