{
  "id": 13834393,
  "title": "Cubans turn to free community pharmacies as medicines grow scarce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/cubans-turn-to-free-community-pharmacies-as-medicines-grow-scarce",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-12T00:28:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Chronicle Ghana",
    "slug": "the-chronicle-ghana",
    "url": "https://thechronicle.com.gh/cubans-turn-to-free-community-pharmacies-as-medicines-grow-scarce/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Havana's Vedado neighborhood, every Thursday and Sunday at noon, a group of individuals gather outside an apartment building. Laura Mendoza, one of the organizers, checks names against a list and distributes medicine that has been requested via WhatsApp. The drugs handed out include antihistamines, diuretics, eye drops, and antibiotics, all free of charge. This initiative, known as \"Medicine Is Not for Sale,\" has become crucial for Cubans as they face dwindling medication supplies due to the country's economic crisis, exacerbated by U.S. energy and financial restrictions since January.\n\nThe state pharmacy system, which has historically supplied subsidized medicines to Cubans, is struggling to keep up with the growing demand. Online sellers, street vendors, and WhatsApp and Telegram groups have stepped in to bridge the gaps left by the state pharmacies. However, the shortages have become so severe that in July, Cuban authorities issued regulations permitting private pharmacies to operate. This marks a significant change in Cuba's state-run health system and is part of broader economic reforms.\n\nDespite these developments, community projects like Mendoza's continue to provide a vital lifeline. \"We have five WhatsApp groups in Havana and recently added one in Guanabo,\" Mendoza explained. Her organization estimates that around 100 similar community projects operate in Havana, helping to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society still have access to essential medications.",
  "summary": "Every Thursday and Sunday at noon, dozens of people gather outside an apartment building in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood. Laura Mendoza comes downstairs, checks their names against a list and hands out medicine they requested through WhatsApp. Antihistamines, diuretics, eye drops and antibiotics are among the drugs she distributes. She charges nothing. Projects like Mendoza’s, called “Medicine Is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-10-11T10:08:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}