Cuban Government Blames America for Cancer Medicine Shortages

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The Cuban government reiterated this Saturday that the U.S. embargo prevents them from importing essential medical equipment and medicines needed for cancer treatment. This claim has been repeatedly countered with data by the U.S. government.

Inés María Chapman Waugh, the Vice Prime Minister, once again blamed the U.S. for the deficiencies in Cuba's nearly collapsed public health system, which has suffered from a lack of investment by a regime that prioritizes building hotels for international tourism over the well-being of its citizens.

During a “working visit” to Banes, Holguín, Chapman Waugh addressed economic and social issues, as reported by the National Television News. She claimed that the U.S. embargo is responsible for the lack of medical care for cancer patients and those needing pacemakers.

“We all know of cancer patients who can't get their medication, and we have asked the U.S. government for help, but it has been denied. Or people who need pacemakers or other medical devices, or need surgery but lack the resources here... The blockade is very cruel because it affects everyone directly,” Chapman Waugh stated.

Echoing the prepared speech by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) to denounce the "blockade," she went further and accused the U.S. of refusing to sell food to the Cuban government.

U.S. Response to Embargo Allegations In July 2023, the U.S. government responded to Cuba's accusations, clarifying that medicines and food can indeed be imported from the United States to Cuba. The U.S. Embassy in Havana emphasized that the embargo allows for the export of medical products and other support items for Cuban citizens.

Since early 2023, the U.S. has approved nearly $900 million in medical exports to Cuba. In 2022, the figure was over $800 million, double that of 2021. “Do not manipulate the embargo as an excuse for the lack of medical care in Cuba,” the embassy stated, countering the claims made by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the Cuban foreign minister.

The embassy also provided a link to the Department of Commerce license, which details public information on the matter. Additionally, they invited verification of the public information on the State Department’s website, which lists the embargo exceptions applied by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for humanitarian supplies to Cuba.

These exceptions include food, medicines, and goods considered humanitarian aid. “Therefore, the embargo is not a ‘blockade’ nor the reason why Cuban citizens lack access to medicines,” concluded the embassy.

Continued Humanitarian Aid A month later, the embassy reaffirmed that food and medicines from the U.S. arrive in Cuba daily. “Did you know that in June alone, Cuba imported 27,631 tons of chicken from the United States? Food and medicines arrive daily from the U.S. to Cuba,” they posted on social media.

In March 2022, amid the worsening coronavirus crisis in Cuba, the U.S. urged institutions and civil society actors to use the officially sanctioned channel to send humanitarian aid, including food and medical equipment, to the island.

“The State Department encourages individuals, organizations, and banks to contact the Cuba Humanitarian Mailbox (CubaHumanitarian@state.gov). Our team is a great resource to facilitate exports and donations of humanitarian goods to Cuba or answer any questions,” the U.S. embassy in Cuba indicated.

Moreover, the State Department stressed that the U.S. government always expedites requests to export medical or humanitarian supplies to Cuba. “Through the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Transportation, there are numerous options available to expedite the delivery of humanitarian goods to Cuba,” they noted.

Recently, the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council (USCTEC) highlighted an increase in humanitarian donations from U.S. organizations to Cuba, reaching the highest figure since 2014. The donations included food, medical supplies, clothing, and reading materials, amounting to more than $38 million in 2024 so far. These statistics do not include personal donations or deliveries made by travelers and third countries.

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Embargo and Medical Supplies to Cuba Given the ongoing debate over the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the situation.

Can Cuba import medical supplies from the United States? Yes, the U.S. embargo allows for the export of medical products and other support items to Cuba.

How much has the U.S. exported in medical supplies to Cuba recently? In 2023, the U.S. approved nearly $900 million in medical exports to Cuba. In 2022, the figure was over $800 million.

Are there exceptions to the U.S. embargo on Cuba? Yes, the embargo has exceptions for food, medicines, and goods considered humanitarian aid.

How can humanitarian aid be sent to Cuba? The U.S. State Department encourages organizations to use the officially sanctioned channels, such as the Cuba Humanitarian Mailbox, to facilitate exports and donations.

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Cuban Government Blames America for Cancer Medicine Shortages

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