Venezuela denounces impact of US coercive measures on health sector
Caracas, May 21
Venezuela denounced the impact of US unilateral coercive measures on its health system during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, saying they have affected access to medical supplies, medicines and equipment.
Mauricio Vega, Venezuela's vice Minister of Hospitals, told the World Health Organization forum that the restrictions have also affected the availability of health personnel, while defending the country's public health model based on equity and primary care.
"Health is a fundamental human right, not a commodity," Vega said.
He said Venezuela has experienced a decline in health personnel due to mass migration in recent years, but has strengthened training programs for new professionals.
Vega also warned of the resurgence of diseases that could affect the population amid structural limitations caused by US sanctions, reports Xinhua news agency.
Despite these challenges, Venezuela maintains policies aimed at ensuring universal access to health care and calls for the "total and unconditional elimination" of what it describes as inhumane unilateral coercive measures, he said.
The Venezuelan Health Ministry said the country's delegation to the 79th World Health Assembly, headed by Vega, would reaffirm its position on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the country.
Earlier this month, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez rejected the idea that her country could become another US state, reaffirming Venezuela's sovereignty and independence.
"That is not planned. It would never be planned, because if there is one thing we Venezuelans have, it is love for our process of independence," Rodriguez said at a press conference in The Hague, where she was attending proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
Rodriguez said US President Donald Trump "knows we have been working on a diplomatic agenda of cooperation," adding that diplomacy remains the path forward.
"We will continue defending integrity, sovereignty, independence, our history, a history that is the glory of the men and women who gave their lives so that we might become not a colony, but a free country," she said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Health is a fundamental human right, not a commodity." - This is what India's public health system also believes in, though we have our own challenges. Sad to see a country's medical supplies being weaponized. Venezuela's resilience is admirable, but the world must stand against such coercive measures.
While I understand the frustration, Venezuela's own economic mismanagement has also contributed to the crisis. US sanctions aren't helping, but blaming everything on external factors ignores internal governance issues. Both sides need to find a diplomatic solution that prioritizes the Venezuelan people's health.
This is exactly what India has been saying at UN platforms - unilateral sanctions hurt ordinary people, not governments. Medical supplies and medicines should never be used as political tools. Venezuela's fight for sovereignty resonates with all developing nations. Bravo to them for speaking truth to power! 👏
The mass migration of health personnel is a serious issue that can't be ignored. Brain drain affects healthcare delivery, and sanctions just compound the problem. Venezuela needs both international support and internal reforms. Reminds me of challenges we saw in some Indian states during the pandemic.
Venezuela's statement is spot-on about health not being a commodity. But I wish they'd also acknowledge their own mistakes - nationalizing industries, hyperinflation, and corruption have made things worse. Still, US sanctions are like adding salt to injury. Both sides need to start from scratch diplomatically.
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