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🇨🇺 Cuba /Health & Science

Cuba restarts chemotherapy drug production amid economic hardship

From Granma · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Cuba has restarted production of vital chemotherapy drugs at the AICA Laboratories plant after an investment to expand its capacity.
  • The plant will now produce 16 different cytostatic drugs, prioritizing those most critical for cancer patients.
  • This reactivation, despite economic limitations and the U.S. embargo, demonstrates Cuba's commitment to prioritizing healthcare and the health of its citizens.

Cuba has restarted production of essential chemotherapy drugs at the AICA Laboratories plant, a significant step in supporting cancer patient care amidst severe economic constraints and the intensified U.S. embargo. The investment aims to expand the plant's capabilities, underscoring the Cuban state's commitment to prioritizing life and health.

BioCubaFarma president Mayda Mauri Pérez and Minister of Public Health José Angel Portal Miranda marked the occasion, highlighting the integrated work between the biopharmaceutical industry, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Cuban government. Specialists explained that the restart is a controlled, phased process to ensure technological stability and drug quality. The upgraded plant is tasked with supplying 16 cytostatic drugs to the National Oncology Patient Care Program.

In the midst of economic limitations, its launch will contribute to guaranteeing medicines for cancer treatment.

— José Angel Portal MirandaThe Minister of Public Health commented on the significance of the plant's reactivation.

Portal Miranda emphasized that the plant's reactivation, despite economic limitations, will help guarantee cancer treatment medications. Mauri Pérez highlighted the strong alliance between the biopharmaceutical and health sectors as crucial for sustaining the supply of oncological drugs, particularly given the U.S. economic blockade. Oncologists also participated, discussing therapeutic priorities to ensure production aligns with patient needs.

The reactivation signifies the synergy between Cuba's biotechnology industry and its public health system, united in ensuring essential medicine coverage. Each drug produced represents sovereignty and hope for Cubans facing externally induced shortages, reinforcing the commitment to the right to health.

The solid alliance between the biopharmaceutical and health sectors is an essential pillar for sustaining the supply of oncological medicines to the Cuban population, despite the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

— Mayda Mauri PérezThe president of BioCubaFarma underscored the importance of collaboration in overcoming external pressures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Granma in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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