Social programs maintained in Cuba despite economic situation

Havana, Jul 16 (RHC) Cuba will maintain its social assistance policies and programs, despite the country's economic difficulties, Economy and Planning Minister Joaquín Alonso said Monday.

Among those problems, he mentioned inflation, limitations to generate income, fuel deficit, insufficient supply of goods and services, and the U.S. blockade against the Antillean nation.

He also stated that food modules were delivered to 158,396 families during the first semester of the current year.

He also highlighted that "a budget was allocated for transformation actions in 1,248 communities that were prioritized".

In the country there are, he said, nine thousand assisted people and 28 thousand pensioners, for which 477 million pesos have been allocated.

On the other hand, Alonso pointed out that 3,650 mothers of severely disabled children and 5,382 senior citizens were assisted with subsidies, as well as homes for the elderly and homes for grandparents.

"Also, 18,448 citizens without family support received social assistance at home, helped by 11,302 hired as social assistants," he explained.

Another important issue, he pointed out, is that the funding dedicated to maintaining the Family Care Service is maintained.

We will not give up protecting the population, particularly those who need help the most, and we are working to improve prevention and social assistance, he said. (Source: Prensa Latina)