A Cuban citizen shared a video on Facebook, expressing frustration over not being able to get medical tests at a hospital due to a lack of water one day and a power outage the next. This bitter irony encapsulates the failing healthcare system on the island.
"Dude, this is insane. I went to get some tests done at the hospital. Yesterday, there was no water; today, there's water, but no electricity. So, if I'm dying, the doctor said it's straight to the funeral home, no problem, they'd bury me in two or three hours. So, dude, what are we living through here? What is this?" the man recounted in the 30-second clip, posted with the hashtag #cubalibre.
This account is not an isolated incident. Villa Clara's main hospital experienced over 72 hours without water starting June 19, following the breakdown of pumping system turbines, which cut off service to the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Hospital.
Impact of Energy Crisis on Healthcare
The energy crisis exacerbates the already dire health situation. Cuban hospitals function under wartime conditions with power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily, rendering clinical laboratories, X-ray machines, ultrasound, and CT scanners useless, while also hindering water pumping.
Electricity generation deficits in Cuba neared 2,000 MW during peak hours, with a high of 2,153 MW recorded on May 13, 2026, leaving over 60% of the country without power simultaneously.
Consequences for Patients
The repercussions for patients are catastrophic. As of March 31, 2026, more than 96,000 people were awaiting surgeries across Cuba, including 11,193 children. In April, Santiago de Cuba's Provincial Hospital evacuated 12 patients from its intensive care unit due to a blackout, and in February, doctors in Havana performed surgery in total darkness, illuminated only by cellphone lights.
The water shortage isn't confined to hospitals either. Nationally, 2.7 million Cubans lack regular access to potable water, with the supply system operating on just 37% of the necessary fuel, according to May 2026 data.
Over 385 health facilities across the island reported severe damage or shortages, according to the Pan American Health Organization, marking Cuba's worst health crisis in decades. This situation is a direct result of 67 years of dictatorial governance that has pushed the country's infrastructure to the brink of collapse.
FAQs on Cuba's Healthcare and Energy Crisis
What are the main challenges facing Cuban hospitals today?
Cuban hospitals are dealing with severe water and electricity shortages, which disrupt essential medical services and equipment, and exacerbate patient care challenges.
How does the energy crisis affect healthcare in Cuba?
Frequent and extended power outages disable critical hospital equipment like X-ray machines and lab facilities, complicating patient care and medical procedures.
How many people in Cuba are affected by water shortages?
Approximately 2.7 million Cubans lack consistent access to potable water, impacting daily life and health services.