Díaz-Canel links medicine shortages to lack of foreign currency
In August, 30 percent of the 651 items in Cuba's basic medicines list were available.
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Miguel Díaz-Canel linked medicine shortages to a lack of foreign currency and the U.S. embargo. The president answered a citizen's question during the second broadcast of Criterio Compartido, his program on Radio Rebelde.
Díaz-Canel said the domestic industry could produce much of the medicine needed if it had resources to purchase raw materials. He also called the country's pharmaceutical capacity robust despite supply problems.
The basic list contains 651 items: 401 produced domestically and 250 imported, according to official figures cited by the outlet. In August, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that only 30 percent was available.