Not even with an intensified blockade has Health been stopped

Identifying what new actions are needed to counteract the shortage of medicines and introduce new health technologies are some of the main projections of the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) for this year, said José Angel Portal Miranda, Minister of Public Health, during the annual balance meeting of that organism, held yesterday at the Palace of the Revolution.

 

In the presence of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic, and Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister, Portal Miranda pointed out that the economic crisis and the blockade imposed by the U.S. government against Cuba are among the causes restricting the acquisition of medical supplies.

 

He added that, in view of the complex panorama of the year 2023, it is necessary to improve management in the sector for the planning, contracting and distribution of medicines to guarantee their efficient and rational use.

 

The head of Minsap reported that there are approximately 52,000 Cuban health collaborators in 53 countries; however, the migration and exodus of professionals, technicians, workers and students of medical sciences to other sectors of the economy affects the provision of medical services.

 

In this regard, Marrero Cruz said that this situation requires the development of different alternatives, and that renewed thinking is needed in the cadres.

 

He also indicated that it is necessary to reinforce, together with the territories, the inspection of non-state contracting and to reinforce the fight against crime, corruption and the control of medicines and medical supplies.

 

Díaz-Canel, speaking at the meeting, stressed that, despite the economic asphyxiation and anti-Cuban media intoxication, with the aim of discrediting the largest of the Antilles, there are institutions that have a good performance and leadership in the sector.

 

The First Secretary of the Party highlighted the commitment of the workers in white coats, who are the ones who maintain the vitality of the country's health services, despite the limitations with medicines and the U.S. blockade.

 

Innovating in primary care, computerizing the National Health System, defending intersectorality in the work with nursing homes, children's and maternity homes, in addition to promoting quality in the selection and training of medical personnel were guidelines pointed out by the Head of State to boost the progress of Cuban Medicine.

 

"It is true that there are shortcomings, but we have shown that we have not stopped. We are proud of the health system and we are convinced that we will continue to advance, even with an intensified blockade," he said.