According to a report highlighted by EFE news agency, daily cancer-related deaths in Cuba exceed 70, with survival rates for children and young adults plummeting from 85% to 65%. This revelation comes just weeks before the United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on the U.S. embargo on October 27 and 28.
The report reveals that 300 out of 395 essential medicines produced domestically are in short supply due to a lack of raw materials and supplies. Additionally, 34 international banks have either refused or halted transactions involving Cuban medicine purchases, fearing potential secondary sanctions.
The Cuban government attributes losses in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to the U.S. embargo, estimating a financial hit of over $134.3 million between March 2025 and February 2026.
Despite the embargo, certain U.S.-made innovative cancer drugs remain "completely inaccessible" to Cuba, forcing reliance on intermediaries and resulting in prohibitive costs. However, U.S. restrictions do not entirely ban the sale of food and medicine to the island. Exceptions for these goods are included in the Torricelli Act of 1992 and the Trade Sanctions Reform Act of 2000. Since 2001, Cuba has purchased over $8 billion in U.S. goods, including food and pharmaceuticals.
The healthcare crisis is exacerbated by a significant reduction in the national medical workforce. From 2021 to 2024, over 30,000 Cuban doctors emigrated, decreasing the number of professionals from 106,131 to 75,364, according to reported figures.
Challenges in Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment in Cuba faces severe challenges. As of July, 80% of the equipment at the National Institute of Oncology was outdated or malfunctioning, with only one out of six linear accelerators operational. In May, over 3,000 patients awaited chemotherapy due to a shortage of cytostatics, and the bone marrow transplant program was entirely halted.
The government's economic model also plays a role, prioritizing investments in GAESA, the military elite's conglomerate with interests in tourism, while maintaining medical service exports as a major revenue source. These missions generate annual income estimated between $6 billion and $8 billion. The Cuban state reportedly retains between 50% and 95% of the salaries paid by host countries for these professionals.
Healthcare System on the Brink
The official acknowledgment of cancer deaths, medicine shortages, and treatment deterioration brings the healthcare crisis into focus ahead of the UN vote. While the embargo imposes financial and trade restrictions complicating certain operations, the emigration of doctors, decrepit oncology equipment, and investment priorities are other factors the government narrative often sidelines.
In February, Public Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda told AP that Cuba's healthcare system was nearing collapse. In July, Vice President Eduardo Martínez Díaz presented the same pediatric cancer survival rates now published by state media, noting that over 100,000 individuals, including more than 10,000 children, awaited surgery.
By August, President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that only 30% of essential medicines were available. Meanwhile, Cubans endure power outages exceeding 20 hours daily, disrupting operating rooms, cold chains, and ambulances. Dr. Yolainy Romero Rodríguez from Havana's Oncology Hospital summarized the dire situation to AP in July: "Children have died. Two so far this year. This situation is terrible."
On October 14, an international coalition of Cuban organizations urged democratic nations to either reject or abstain in the upcoming UN vote, arguing the resolution wrongfully blames the U.S. for issues stemming from the Cuban government's direct actions. The initiative has garnered over 1,000 endorsements, including more than 550 signatures from activists within the island.
Impact of the U.S. Embargo on Cuban Healthcare
How does the U.S. embargo affect medicine availability in Cuba?
The Cuban government claims that the U.S. embargo restricts access to essential raw materials and supplies, resulting in shortages of 300 out of 395 crucial medicines. Additionally, fear of secondary sanctions has led 34 banks to halt transactions related to Cuban medical purchases.
Are there exceptions to the U.S. embargo regarding food and medicine?
Yes, the Torricelli Act of 1992 and the Trade Sanctions Reform Act of 2000 allow for exceptions in the sale of food and medicine to Cuba. Since 2001, Cuba has imported over $8 billion in U.S. goods, including these essential products.
What are the major challenges faced by Cuba's healthcare system?
Cuba's healthcare system is challenged by an exodus of medical professionals, outdated medical equipment, medicine shortages, and investment priorities that favor tourism and military interests over healthcare infrastructure.
What was the response of Cuban officials to the healthcare crisis?
Cuban officials, including Public Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda, have admitted the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, with significant shortages in essential medicines and equipment, and long waiting lists for surgeries.