‘To play God’: Cuba’s healthcare system collapses under US pressure
Summary
Cuba's healthcare system is worsening due to a U.S. fuel blockade that started in January 2024. This has caused long power outages and shortages of medicine, leading to many preventable deaths, especially among newborns needing surgery.Key Facts
- Cuba's neonatal surgery survival rate at William Soler Pediatric Hospital dropped from over 90% to less than 50% in early 2024.
- President Donald Trump announced a U.S. fuel blockade against Cuba on January 29, 2024, aiming to pressure its government.
- The blockade threatens countries that sell fuel to Cuba with tariffs, causing almost no fuel shipments to reach the island.
- Daily blackouts in Cuba now last up to 20 hours, affecting hospitals and healthcare services.
- Cuba’s healthcare system is still free and universal but has less access to supplies and quality has declined.
- Many deaths in hospitals are caused by infections due to poor hygiene, malnutrition, and lack of antibiotics.
- Doctors face difficult choices about which patients receive treatment because resources are very limited.
- Medical staff report that children, who are not involved in politics, suffer the most from these shortages.
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