A pregnant woman in Santiago de Cuba, currently admitted to the Mariana Grajales South Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital—popularly known as Clínica Los Ángeles—has reported being served food containing worms. The expectant mother sent photos to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, showing her meal tray from Tuesday, which included a small portion of rice, ground meat, and a piece of sweet potato. Even though the meal itself was already insufficient and lacking in nutrition, discovering worms in it was truly shocking.
"I had to leave it right there; I couldn't continue eating," the young woman stated. "In my case, I have my husband who can bring me food to supplement, but what about those who live in rural areas? Who will bring them food?" she questioned. The shared image clearly shows a worm in the corner of the tray, spotted just in time by the patient.
According to reporter Mayeta, the poor quality and lack of meat proteins in the diet provided to pregnant women at this hospital are not surprising to the locals of Santiago de Cuba. "Now they serve ground meat, and look what you find; it seems like they do it so the pantry staff can take the good food," the complainant noted.
Back in April, another pregnant woman admitted to the institution described the food given to expectant mothers there as "pig food." "Nobody would dare eat that," she wrote, noting that her mother-in-law brought her food daily. The published images showed a hard-fried egg, watery peas, and something resembling mashed plantains. "And there are women who have no other option and [must] eat this because they live outside the municipality," lamented the pregnant woman.
Issues with Food Quality in Santiago de Cuba Hospitals
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the food quality issues faced by pregnant women in Santiago de Cuba hospitals.
What did the pregnant woman in Santiago de Cuba discover in her food?
She discovered worms in her meal tray, which included rice, ground meat, and sweet potato.
Who reported the incident of worm-infested food?
The incident was reported by an independent journalist, Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who received photos from the pregnant woman.
What challenges do other pregnant women face in this hospital?
Other pregnant women, especially those from rural areas, may not have anyone to bring them supplementary food and must consume the inadequate and poor-quality meals provided by the hospital.