Health System Responds to National Energy Contingency

Carilda Peña García, Deputy Minister of Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health, stated today on the Al Mediodía news program that the national health system remains operational and without critical disruptions, despite the ongoing energy contingency affecting the country.

She reported that as soon as the disconnection of the National Electric Power System (SEN) was confirmed, established protocols were activated across all provinces. Executive councils and working groups convened to assess the functionality of power generators, the availability of oxygen, and other vital resources at both the primary and secondary levels of medical care.

Peña García emphasized that there are no difficulties with oxygen supply at any hospital facility and that backup systems are functioning properly. She added that “in specific cases where nitrogen coverage is below 24 hours, differentiated attention has been arranged.”

Regarding water supply, the deputy minister acknowledged that access to this resource currently represents the greatest challenge, due to drought conditions that had already affected some facilities prior to the contingency. Nevertheless, she clarified that there is “direct coordination with the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources to guarantee supply, particularly in critical areas.”

She underlined that, despite the situation, surgeries have been carried out without setbacks, hospitals are staffed with trained personnel to handle any eventuality, and in polyclinics without generators in their emergency wards, “vital services are being prioritized with the available medical staff.”

On coordination for patient transfers and urgent care, Peña García noted that although the ambulance fleet is limited, arrangements have been made to transport patients requiring immediate treatment. Hospitals, she said, “have designated referral centers in case their backup systems fail.”

The deputy minister praised the swift response of health personnel nationwide and expressed gratitude for the population’s understanding regarding the rescheduling of elective procedures. “Up to this moment, all coordination efforts are guaranteed,” she affirmed.