The services of the Holguin Territorial Cancer Center, which benefit patients from eastern Cuba, are among those affected by the intensification of the US economic, commercial, and financial blockade against the island.
Amid the difficult situation caused by the lack of supplies. Spare parts, equipment, and medications, the executive order signed by President Donald Trump further aggravated the conditions for patient care.
Pedro Alejandro Escalona Díaz, director of the institution. He explained to CNA that the damage caused by this policy is concentrated in the limitations on professional development, equipment, and access to medications and therapies.
He stated that treatment with cytostatic serums, one of the most common cancer therapies. It costs between $10,000 and $15,000, and in Cuba, the cost triples due to transportation delays and difficulties with suppliers.
The specialist emphasized that Cuban professionals in fields such as oncology. They face restrictions on attending international congresses and events and accessing continuing education courses on the disease.
Also he elaborated on the limitations in obtaining the necessary supplies for surgery. Despite which priorities are established and medical personnel restructure care strategies according to each case.
Ana Haydee Molina Cutiño, coordinator of the cancer program at the General Directorate of Public Health. She emphasized that each patient receives a diagnosis and treatment option free of charge. Regardless of limitations, and that there is trained personnel for follow-up care.
The province is developing programs to consolidate this assistance through primary healthcare. Aimed at improving survival rates and ensuring psychological support for families, it indicated.
The Holguin Territorial Cancer Center receives more than 2,000 new cases annually, the second highest number in the country after Havana. Concluded 2025 with more than 1,800 surgeries and some 40,500 patients seen in outpatient consultations.
With information from CNA
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