Cuba implements non-state management for pharmaceutical services

Cuba is advancing the implementation of non-state management models within its pharmaceutical services. Cristina Lara Bastanzuri, the national director of Medicines and Medical Technologies at the Ministry of Public Health, reported that 36 projects for the administration of community pharmacies are currently under evaluation.

Of these proposals, three are in the process of constitution, and 14 have received approval to proceed with necessary formalities. While no pharmacies have begun operating under this new modality yet, the initiative allows non-state entities to manage community pharmacies, provide pharmaceutical services, and commercialize medicines and health products.

These new establishments must adhere to strict requirements for the storage and sale of medicines, including the employment of qualified professional personnel. The government clarified that existing state-run community pharmacy locations will not be leased out for this purpose; they will remain under state management.

Regulations for commercialization specify that non-state pharmacies may curate their product portfolios according to established rules, but they are prohibited from selling hospital-use medicines, drugs, or other restricted substances. Additionally, all medicines sold must be registered with the Cuban regulatory authority.