U.S. Oil Blockade Triggers Cuban Healthcare Collapse

Cuba's healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to an intensified U.S. oil blockade, as stated by Cuba's Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda. The sanctions, which include an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on oil sales to Cuba and the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments, have led to critical fuel shortages. This has severely impacted ambulance services, hospital operations, and the ability to refuel flights carrying vital medical supplies. Millions of Cubans with chronic illnesses, including cancer patients, are at risk of not receiving necessary medications and treatments. The energy crisis has also resulted in widespread blackouts, gas rationing, and a drastic decline in basic necessities, pushing the island towards a humanitarian crisis. Cuba, which produces only 40% of its own fuel, previously relied on allies like Venezuela, Mexico, and Russia, but these supplies have dried up. The U.S. policy aims to intensify economic pressure to achieve regime change in Cuba.