Exodus of Cuban Doctors: Socioeconomic and Political Drivers of a Healthcare Crisis (2020–2025)

Abstract

Introduction: Between 2020 and 2025, Cuba experienced a profound healthcare collapse, exposing structural weaknesses in a system long praised for universal coverage. Economic decline, political constraints, and institutional limitations hindered service delivery, leading to shortages of essential supplies and personnel.
Objective: To examine the main factors driving the deterioration of Cuba’s healthcare workforce and assess the resulting public health consequences, including maternal and child health, resurgence of preventable diseases, and urban–rural disparities.
Methods: A review of secondary sources, including official Cuban statistics, international health reports, and independent media, was conducted to analyze trends in physician migration, workforce shortages, resource limitations, and health outcomes.
Results: Low salaries, restrictive policies, and supply shortages triggered a large-scale exodus of physicians and healthcare professionals. Consequences include rising maternal and infant mortality, outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and dengue, and widening urban–rural health disparities. Cuba’s diminished capacity has also weakened its role in global health diplomacy, threatening regional health security.
Conclusions: Without urgent economic, institutional, and policy reforms, Cuba’s healthcare system risks irreversible deterioration. Immediate measures are needed to retain healthcare professionals, ensure adequate resources, and maintain domestic and international public health standards.