A Facebook user identified as Michi Pichi has reported the death of an elderly woman in Havana, who was allegedly abandoned at the General Freyre de Andrade Clinical-Surgical Hospital.
"I just received a call. Sonia passed away in the early morning. No one noticed; they walked past her as they did every morning and didn’t check her vital signs. It was another patient's companion who had to inform them that she was dead," stated the whistleblower.
She claims that the doctors at this Cuban health center had labeled the elderly woman as a "discharged patient," meaning they believed "they didn’t have to feed, bathe, or medicate her, and were simply doing charity" by keeping her in the ward.
The case of this solitary elderly woman was already known on social media. Some people had shown solidarity with her situation and visited her in the hospital. If no volunteer came, "the lady remained in her own filth, and no one cared."
"They never wanted to tell me about her test results, what she had, why she was discharged, what they had solved, because they had solved absolutely nothing. They are criminals. The true organized crime because they cover for each other," the complainant said about the health professionals at this hospital.
Reports of deaths in Cuban hospitals under questionable conditions and alleged medical negligence are becoming increasingly common.
Just a few weeks ago, the death of a pregnant woman named Laura Castillo Zulueta was reported. She was initially treated at the Hijas de Galicia Hospital in Havana.
Her mother, Janet Zulueta Curbelo, claimed that the Maternity Hospital committed several acts of negligence that led to her daughter's death during an emergency surgery at seven months pregnant, at the National Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions about Negligence in Cuban Hospitals
Due to the alarming reports of medical negligence and questionable conditions in Cuban hospitals, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into this troubling issue.
What are the common issues reported in Cuban hospitals?
Common issues include lack of proper patient care, negligence in checking vital signs, inadequate feeding and hygiene, and poor communication with patients' families.
How often are negligence cases reported in Cuba?
Cases of negligence in Cuban hospitals are reported with increasing frequency, highlighting a systemic problem in the healthcare system.
What actions can be taken if a loved one is neglected in a Cuban hospital?
Family members can report the negligence to higher health authorities, use social media to bring attention to the case, and seek legal advice for potential actions against the hospital.