The crisis, which has been systematically deepening since 2021, has now reached a scale that cannot be covered up in official statistics.
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The black market is the only salvation
The analysis of the report of the state statistical office Onei for April shows that the island is missing exactly 91.5 percent. medicines and medical supplies.
For the average resident of the island, the official health service has become a shell. Independent media, including the 14ymedio portal, warn that citizens have been forced to seek help outside the legal circulation.
“Currently, Cubans purchase virtually all drugs and medical supplies on the black market” – reported the portal, describing the daily struggle for survival of the island's inhabitants.
The situation is made worse by the consequences Hurricane Melissa, which hit Cuba in October. According to Radio Marti food and medical aid prepared by the US has still not reached the most needy, especially the eastern provinces of the country.
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The US offered support for Cuba. The regime says no
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed details of negotiations with the Cuban government on Friday. Washington offered the regime additional support worth EUR 100 million. However, one key condition was set: the distribution of goods was to take place through independent institutions to prevent their takeover by the authorities.
The Cuban government has not agreed to provide support on these termswhich in practice means cutting off citizens from foreign life-saving resources. This decision was met with sharp criticism because the state is unable to ensure the health safety of its residents on its own.
Experts indicate that the persistence of the authorities in Havana, in the face of such gigantic shortages, may lead to a humanitarian disaster on a scale the island has not seen in decades.
