Parents who had to take their sick children to the Hospital Infantil Sur (La Colonia) in Santiago de Cuba have reported a foul odor permeating the emergency area. Several affected individuals sent photos to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, showing the deplorable hygiene conditions, including toilets overflowing with urine and paper, and a cleaning bucket filled with black water.
One woman recounted that the smell in the waiting area was unbearable. "It's intolerable. I spoke with the staff, and they told me there are no cleaning assistants," she said. "I am making this complaint because it is disgusting to be with a sick child and have to collect a urine sample. I doubt the results would be accurate in these conditions," she added.
A man named Osvaldo, father of a young boy, shared his experience at the facility while waiting for power to be restored so his son could receive an ultrasound for a diagnosis. "Someone finally came to clean, but without bleach or water. The place reeks of urine. Look at the water they are using to clean now," he remarked.
The reporter digressed from the cleanliness issue to note that this is not the first time hospital services in Santiago de Cuba have been halted due to power outages. "It is very concerning to parents how hospital centers like these lack generators and electric plants, resulting in many services and consultations being disrupted," he emphasized on his Facebook page.
Just over a month ago, journalist Mayeta Labrada highlighted the situation at the Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Juan Bruno Zayas in Santiago, where cockroaches roam freely on the furniture in broad daylight and in plain sight. "The rulers of the Santiago Clinic are the cockroaches," he stated at the time. "This is a widespread issue in all government institutions. This is the crappy power we have to thank," he added.
Issues at Hospital Infantil Sur in Santiago de Cuba
To provide further insight into the problems reported at the Hospital Infantil Sur in Santiago de Cuba, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the main issues reported at Hospital Infantil Sur?
The main issues reported include a foul odor in the emergency area due to poor hygiene, a lack of cleaning staff, and power outages disrupting medical services.
Who is Yosmany Mayeta Labrada?
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada is an independent journalist who has been reporting on the deplorable conditions at hospitals in Santiago de Cuba.
How have parents reacted to the conditions at the hospital?
Parents have expressed significant concern and disgust over the hospital's condition, citing the unbearable odor and unsanitary environment.