HAVANA, Aug. 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's Deputy Health Minister Julio Guerra said Wednesday that the long-running U.S. trade embargo and a recent fuel shortage are causing power outages and supply shortfalls that endanger patients' lives.
"When the lack of a stable power supply affects hospitals, it directly impacts the lives of patients," Guerra said, according to state media. He highlighted that the embargo restricts access to medical equipment, spare parts, and fuel needed to run generators and essential services.
The comments come as Cuba faces an energy crisis worsened by U.S. sanctions and a reported decline in oil imports from allies. Hospitals have had to rely on backup generators, but fuel shortages limit their operation.
International organizations have repeatedly called for easing the embargo, citing its humanitarian impact. The U.S. government maintains that sanctions target the Cuban government, not the people, but critics argue they harm ordinary citizens.
