Due to a severe fuel shortage worsened by the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, Cuban hospitals have halted surgeries and outpatient transport, while some hotels are closing. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged difficult times but promised creative resistance. The United Nations warns of a potential humanitarian collapse.
Cuba's fuel crisis, intensified since the U.S. intervention in Venezuela on January 3, has prompted drastic measures in the health sector. In several hospitals, all surgeries and transport for patients from other municipalities have been canceled due to fuel shortages, according to an anonymous Public Health Ministry employee. "All surgeries and patient transportation have been canceled," she reported, adding that many admitted patients are being discharged and resources are being inventoried.
The shortage impacts essential supplies: there is no pethidine for labor pain, analgesics, antihypertensives, IV fluids, catheters, or gauze. Antibiotics have low coverage, and hemodialysis concentrate is available for only three days. For food, rice and grains last about 15 days, but ground meat for two and chicken for three.
In Ciego de Ávila, a polyclinic will keep only the emergency unit open, with doctors required to bring rechargeable lamps. The sugar harvest in Sancti Spíritus has halted, per an employee at the Melanio Hernández mill. Several hotels in the Keys have closed, such as the Valentín Perla Blanca in Cayo Santa María, where guests were relocated by 4:00 p.m. Thursday.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in his Thursday address, stated: "We are going to live through difficult times," relying on "creative resistance." He announced ministers would detail measures within a week. The UN warns of humanitarian collapse from Trump's oil blockade, which has cut Venezuelan exports to Cuba. Mexico is considering fuel aid. Díaz-Canel expressed openness to U.S. dialogue without pressure: "Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, on any issue that needs to be discussed or debated. Under what conditions? Without pressure."
