{
  "id": 13691149,
  "title": "Cubans turn to free community pharmacies as medicines grow scarce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/cubans-turn-to-free-community-pharmacies-as-medicines-grow-scarce",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-11T10:08:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/10/11/cubans-turn-to-free-community-pharmacies-as-medicines-grow-scarce"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Every Thursday and Sunday, a group of people in Havana's Vedado neighborhood convene outside a building to receive medicine. Laura Mendoza, a volunteer, checks names against a list and distributes requested medications via WhatsApp. These medicines include antihistamines, diuretics, eye drops, and antibiotics, all provided free of charge. This \"Medicine Is Not for Sale\" initiative has become a vital resource for Cubans as the country faces an economic crisis and U.S. restrictions on energy and finance.\n\nCuban authorities have allowed private pharmacies to operate, a historic shift in the state-run health system. However, these pharmacies are currently closed, leaving projects like Mendoza's as the primary source of medications. Over 13 kilograms of medicine are distributed weekly through her WhatsApp groups, which include five in Havana and one in Guanabo. The initiative collaborates with the Catholic charity Caritas, receiving donations from Canada, the U.S., and local residents.\n\nDespite the efforts of volunteers, certain medications, such as those requiring refrigeration and cancer treatments, remain challenging to obtain. Cristina Díaz, a 27-year-old teacher, sought clonazepam for her relative but found it increasingly difficult to obtain. Only about one-third of the 603 medicines in Cuba's basic drug program are currently available, with many produced using imported raw materials.\n\nMayda Mauri Pérez, president of the state pharmaceutical company BioCubaFarma, revealed that 300 of the 395 medicines were not produced due to raw material shortages. The central province of Ciego de Ávila reported that state pharmacies have only about 10% of the medicines listed on the basic drug program, attributing the issue to supply and logistical problems, including fuel shortages.\n\nCuban authorities acknowledge the government's struggle to obtain packaging materials and imports, citing U.S. financial sanctions as a significant obstacle. Despite these challenges, the government plans to regulate private pharmacies as part of broader economic reforms, while state pharmacies will continue to operate.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "\"Medicine Is Not for Sale\" initiative provides free medications in Havana.",
    "Cuban authorities allow private pharmacies, but they are currently closed.",
    "Over 13 kg of medicine distributed weekly through WhatsApp groups."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}