TL/DR –
The Cuban government has been forced to ration care due to tightened restrictions, causing a spike in mortality. The suspension of non-essential medical services has resulted in higher incidences of complications and the need for more resources, while survival rates for childhood cancer have dropped and infant and maternal mortality rates have risen amid the oil blockade. Over 100,000 Cubans are currently waiting for elective or reconstructive surgeries, with the lack of supplies due to US sanctions severely hampering surgical services.
A spike in mortality in Cuba
The Cuban government’s increased restrictions have led to a need for rationing care in the healthcare sector, particularly in non-essential services. As explained by the pediatric anesthesiologist, Fernandez, crucial preventative healthcare measures have been impacted, leading to patients arriving at hospitals in worsened conditions.
A rise in complications for conditions such as appendicitis, due to a lack of resources and antibiotics, has been noted. There has also been an alarming escalation in deaths in Cuba due to the ongoing restrictions.
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has reported a drop in survival rates for childhood cancer from 85 percent to 65 percent due to the oil blockade. Furthermore, the infant mortality rate has climbed up considerably from four to 9.9 for every 1,000 live births between 2017 and 2025. The maternal mortality rate experienced a similar increase.
Lilian Delgado, an obstetrician at Cuba’s primary maternity hospital, noted the escalating humanitarian crisis has led to a stark rise in premature births and severe morbidity among pregnant women amidst a system plagued by shortages at all levels.
The decision to prioritize emergency care might be misleading as many vital medical procedures fall into the ‘elective’ category, which if delayed can lead to deadly conditions. More than 100,000 Cubans are currently waiting for elective or reconstructive surgeries, including over 5,000 cancer patients and approximately 12,000 children.
Delgado explains that surgical services are severely weakened due to a lack of supplies and increased complications among women. Operating rooms are preoccupied with emergency cases, hence, elective surgeries have become impossible to perform.
Accessing even emergency medical care has become a challenge given the fuel blockade’s impact on essential services like transportation. The oil embargo has directly and indirectly cost human lives, according to Delgado.
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