Cuba reinforces ban on private medical practice in Camagüey

The Camagüey Health Directorate in Cuba has issued a formal warning reinforcing the prohibition of private medical practice. The announcement follows social media controversy regarding Dalia Spa, a private enterprise in Camagüey that advertised various medical services, including cardiology, internal medicine, and gynecological procedures, with prices listed in U.S. dollars.

Authorities stated that there is “no legal foundation” for such activities, citing Decree Law 160 of 2026, which explicitly bans private medical practice under any payment scheme. The Directorate emphasized that any individual, whether a healthcare professional or a layperson, who engages in or promotes these services is committing an illegal act and a crime.

In defending the state-run healthcare system, officials asserted that “public health is a right of the people and a duty of the State.” They warned that judicial and health authorities will enforce the law to its fullest extent to prevent individual profit-driven practices from undermining the national health system.