Havana Volunteers Coordinate Free Medicine Distribution Amid Shortages

Every Thursday and Sunday at noon, dozens gather outside Laura Mendoza's apartment in Havana's Vedado as she checks names and hands out free WhatsApp-requested medicine. Her project takes in more than 13 kilograms weekly from Caritas, Canadian and U.S. humanitarian groups, travelers and residents. Mendoza said she runs five Havana WhatsApp groups plus one in Guanabo and estimates about 100 similar capital initiatives. Volunteers deliver to patients unable to collect. Cuba's health ministry lists 603 basic-program medicines; only slightly more than one-third are available. About 400 come from Cuban labs using imported raw materials. BioCubaFarma said in June about 300 of 395 expected medicines went unproduced due to import shortages. Ciego de Ávila state pharmacies reportedly had about 10% of the basic list. María Fernández Martínez said Cuba considers its medical-pharmaceutical industry strong, yet not even the most capable factory can complete the cycle without supplies. Cristina Díaz, seeking clonazepam for a relative, said medicines became much harder to find than six or seven years ago. AP cited July private-pharmacy regulations; CubaHeadlines cited Decree 160/2026 effective August and none open by October. Sara Márquez said prices will depend on purchasing power and she cannot afford it.