Caracas, May 21 (IANS). Venezuela told the World Health Organization’s 79th World Health Assembly that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the US have had a serious impact on its health system. The country alleged that these restrictions have made it difficult to access medical supplies, medicines and health equipment.
Speaking at the forum held in Geneva, Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Hospital Affairs, Mauricio Vega, said that these restrictions have also affected the availability of health workers. He defended the country’s public health system based on equality and primary health care, saying, “Health is a fundamental human right, not a commodity.”
Vega said there has been a shortage of workers in the health sector due to mass migration in recent years, but the government is strengthening training programs for new professionals.
He also warned that there was an increased risk of some diseases re-spreading amid structural limitations imposed by US sanctions, which could affect the general public, Xinhua news agency reported.
Despite these challenges, Venezuela continues to pursue policies to ensure access to universal health services. Vega reiterated his call for a complete and unconditional end to so-called “inhumane unilateral sanctions.”
Venezuela’s Health Ministry said the country’s delegation to the 79th World Health Assembly, led by Vega, would make a strong case for the negative impacts of these sanctions.
This month, Venezuela’s acting President Delsey Rodríguez rejected the idea that her country could ever become another US state. He reiterated Venezuela’s sovereignty and independence, saying the country will continue to defend its independence and history.
“US President Donald Trump knows that Venezuela is working on a diplomatic agenda for cooperation, and diplomacy is the way forward,” Rodriguez said at a news conference in The Hague.
–IANS
kr/