Community Pharmacies Emerge as Lifeline Amid Cuba’s Medicine Shortages

Cuban residents are turning to free, volunteer-run pharmacies after state outlets have been unable to supply most of the drugs listed in the national basic drug program. The Health Ministry’s catalogue includes 603 medicines, but only a little more than one-third are presently available. In the central province of Ciego de Ávila, officials say state pharmacies hold roughly 10 % of the items on that list. The scarcity has pushed patients to seek antihistamines, diuretics, eye drops, antibiotics and other essential medicines through informal networks.

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The shortages stem from a deepening economic crisis compounded by U.S. energy and financial restrictions that have been in place since January. Imported raw materials for drug production have dwindled, and fuel and logistical problems further impede distribution. Shipping companies often avoid Cuban ports for fear of U.S. penalties, leaving many medical shipments stranded in third-country ports.

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Volunteer projects such as “Medicine Is Not for Sale,” organized by Laura Mendoza, operate out of private apartments. Mendoza checks request lists received via WhatsApp and distributes medicines at no charge every Thursday and Sunday at noon. Her network coordinates five WhatsApp groups in Havana and recently added one in Guanabo, and she estimates about 100 similar projects exist across the capital. The initiative receives more than 13 kg (29 lb) of medicine each week from humanitarian groups in Canada and the United States, travelers, and local donors. Volunteers also deliver drugs to patients unable to travel, though items requiring refrigeration—such as certain diabetes and cancer treatments—remain hard to obtain.

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Mayda Mauri Pérez, president of state pharmaceutical company BioCubaFarma, reported in June that roughly 300 of the 395 medicines the firm was expected to produce were not manufactured because of imported-material shortages. María Fernández Martínez, head of the provincial pharmacy company, told Granma that “Cuba has a medical-pharmaceutical industry that we consider strong,” yet acknowledged that without supplies The government has approved a package of 176 economic measures, including regulations that will allow private pharmacies to operate once proposals are reviewed; these outlets will be barred from selling hospital-only drugs and certain controlled substances, and all imports must pass through state companies.

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• “We have five WhatsApp groups in Havana and recently added one in Guanabo,” — Laura Mendoza

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• “People don’t just rely on this main pharmacy. They help each other,” — Laura Mendoza

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• “Six or seven years ago, it was relatively easy to find medicines at state pharmacies,” — Cristina Díaz

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• “Cuba has a medical-pharmaceutical industry that we consider strong,” — María Fernández Martínez

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