While public health in Cuba is facing one of its most critical moments, the regime has once again promoted the island as a “medical powerhouse” by announcing a “world-unique” surgical procedure to treat Parkinson's Syndrome, with a cost that can exceed 20 thousand dollars.
According to information published by the Cuban Medical Services Commercializer, the technique, known as selective dorsolateral subthalamotomy, is presented as an “exclusive and revolutionary” treatment option for patients with this neurodegenerative disease.
According to the local channel Visión Tunera, the promotion coincided on April 11 with World Parkinson's Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about this condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
A treatment that few..
The surgical program, conducted at the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN), is divided into two phases: a medical evaluation week lasting 7 days, with a cost of 3,616 USD. It includes clinical, neurological, neuropsychological examinations, and electrophysiological studies, among others.
Stereotactic functional surgery requires a postoperative stay of between 10 and 15 nights. The procedure costs between 15,000 and 20,000 USD, depending on the technique used. Additionally, the patient's mandatory companion must pay 43 USD per day for accommodation and meals in the same room.
In total, the complete treatment can exceed 25,000 dollars, an amount that is completely inaccessible for Cuban citizens, whose average monthly salary does not reach 20 USD.
The contradiction: health crisis vs. medical tourism
Although Cuban authorities claim that the treatment has shown high efficacy and tolerance in over 200 surgeries performed, the promotion of these international services stands in stark contrast to the serious crisis of the healthcare system on the island.
In hospitals and clinics across the country, there is a shortage of medications, syringes, anesthetics, and basic supplies. The emergency rooms lack essential conditions, and families are forced to bring everything from bandages to food in order to admit a relative.
The regime, however, continues to allocate resources and highly qualified personnel to the lucrative business of medical tourism, while millions of Cubans face failures in primary care and deplorable hospital conditions.
More propaganda than access
The dorsolateral subthalamotomy is presented as "unique in the world" and is part of the surgical advancements that distinguish Cuba, according to the official narrative. However, these treatments are exclusively reserved for foreigners with high purchasing power or for elites connected to those in power.
In this context, the supposed "medical power" does not reach its own citizens; instead, it turns into a commercial showcase aimed at the outside world, while ordinary Cubans continue to wait for a consultation, a medication, or an ambulance that never arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parkinson's Treatment in Cuba and the Healthcare System Crisis
What is selective dorsolateral subthalamotomy for Parkinson's?
The selective dorsolateral subthalamotomy is a surgical procedure that the Cuban regime promotes as "unique in the world" for treating Parkinson's Syndrome. The treatment is carried out at the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN) and is divided into a week of medical evaluation and a stereotactic functional surgery, with a total cost that can exceed 25,000 dollars.
What is the cost of Parkinson's treatment in Cuba?
The complete treatment for Parkinson's in Cuba can exceed 25,000 dollars, which includes a week of medical evaluation and surgery. This cost is unaffordable for many Cubans, as the average monthly salary on the island does not reach 20 USD.
How does medical tourism in Cuba contrast with the crisis in the healthcare system?
Medical tourism in Cuba focuses on attracting high-income foreigners while the public health system is facing a severe crisis. The country is experiencing shortages of medications and basic supplies, seriously affecting medical care for the local population, highlighting a significant contradiction in the priorities of the Cuban regime.
What impact does the health system crisis have on the Cuban population?
The crisis of the Cuban healthcare system severely impacts the daily lives of citizens, who face an alarming shortage of medications and medical resources. Many patients do not receive adequate care, and the deplorable conditions in hospitals are a constant reality for the population.
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