Reports on social media this Thursday highlighted not only the shortage of medications and the lack of specialist doctors in Santiago de Cuba's healthcare facilities but also the severe cleanliness issues in the restrooms of local hospitals.
"Terrible conditions in the restrooms of the Internal Medicine ward at Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba," reported journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, sharing videos and photos that starkly display the unsanitary state of this healthcare center.
This article contains images and descriptions of inadequate hygiene conditions in a hospital, which might be disturbing to some readers. The images are presented to raise awareness and call for action. Viewer discretion is advised.
The images depict a completely clogged toilet, overflowing trash bins, and an area where a toilet should be, but instead, it is used for urination and defecation in the open. Such conditions jeopardize the health of both patients and their companions, who must endure long hours in these deplorable settings.
CiberCuba interviewed an employee of Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, who confirmed that these issues are prevalent in several restrooms within the facility. The worker expressed confusion over why this is happening now, especially since the number of beds in some services has been minimized due to ongoing repairs.
Furthermore, the employee noted that restroom and other area cleanings are being carried out by prison inmates. These individuals are compelled to perform these tasks due to the lack of available or willing cleaning staff.
The city of Santiago de Cuba, already battling the Oropouche virus, has also faced criticism for the poor hygiene in the restrooms of other hospitals. Parents who brought their sick children to the South Children's Hospital (La Colonia) reported a pervasive foul smell in the emergency room.
Several affected individuals sent photos to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, showing the appalling hygiene conditions—bathrooms filled with urine and paper, and a cleaning bucket filled with black water. "It's unbearable. I spoke with the staff here, and they told me there are no cleaning assistants available," one person commented.
Hygiene Concerns in Santiago de Cuba Hospitals
To provide more clarity and address common questions regarding the hygiene issues in Santiago de Cuba's hospitals, we've compiled a FAQ section.
What are the main hygiene issues reported in Santiago de Cuba hospitals?
The main issues include clogged toilets, overflowing trash bins, and the absence of sanitary facilities, leading people to urinate and defecate in open areas.
Who is responsible for cleaning the hospital restrooms?
Currently, cleaning duties are being performed by prison inmates due to a lack of available or willing cleaning staff.
What impact do these conditions have on patients and visitors?
The unsanitary conditions pose serious health risks to both patients and their companions, who have to spend long hours in these environments.