The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) of Cuba announced on Saturday the closure of several facilities at the Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital in Havana, effective May 21. Although the announcement did not specify the exact reason for the closure, it referenced the "approved FAR Investment Plan," suggesting that the partial suspension of services is related to renovations.
"Considering what was approved in the FAR Investment Plan and with prior approval from the FAR Headquarters, coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health and the authorities of the Party and the Government of Havana Province, on May 21, the facilities of the Emergency Center, Critical Care, and other areas of the Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital will be closed," announced MINFAR.
MINFAR outlined in five points how care will be managed once the partial shutdown of the hospital institution is implemented:
1) No medical emergencies or urgencies will be received at the hospital.
2) Medical assistance to the civilian population will be ensured as directed by MINSAP.
3) The Emergency Service at the De Luis Díaz Soto Central Military Hospital guarantees physical guard for all medical specialties.
4) The Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital will only continue providing care through outpatient services, military consultations, a mobile health team, health control exams in designated wards, and will maintain services such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation, neurophysiology, hyperbaric oxygenation, hemodialysis, and angiography.
5) Three hospitalization wards are guaranteed for the study and diagnosis of elective patients, with reduced surgical activity for patients not requiring critical care beds, and medical guard is assured for hospitalized patients.
As of the closure of this note, no further details have emerged regarding the exact cause of the shutdown or how long the services will be affected.
Founded on September 4, 1943, the hospital initially served members of the Cuban Constitutional Army and their families. After 1959, it was transformed into the Carlos Juan Finlay Barrés Central Military Hospital, named in honor of the eminent Cuban physician and epidemiologist who discovered the transmission vector of yellow fever. The hospital, a clinical-surgical teaching facility, has 530 beds.
Following the rise of the Castro regime, the hospital primarily provided care to members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), although it always allocated part of its services to civilians.
Key Information on the Partial Closure of Carlos J. Finlay Military Hospital
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the partial shutdown of the Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital.
Why is the Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital closing partially?
The exact reason for the partial closure has not been specified, but it is suggested to be related to renovations approved in the FAR Investment Plan.
When will the partial closure take effect?
The partial closure will be effective starting May 21.
What services will continue to be offered at the hospital?
The hospital will continue to offer outpatient services, military consultations, mobile health teams, health control exams, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, neurophysiology, hyperbaric oxygenation, hemodialysis, and angiography.
How will medical emergencies be handled during the closure?
Medical emergencies will not be received at the Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital. Emergency services will be managed by the De Luis Díaz Soto Central Military Hospital.