Raisa Núñez, a well-known animal advocate, passed away this Saturday in Havana after spending several months in the hospital, amidst widespread reports of medication and supply shortages at Calixto García Hospital.
"Today, after 2 or 3 months in hospitals and still without a definitive diagnosis due to hospital and human deficiencies, Mrs. Raisa has passed away at Calixto García Clinical Surgical Hospital," reported Facebook user Michi Pichi.
Núñez's case had already gained attention on social media, with the same Facebook user highlighting the lack of medical supplies necessary for her treatment.
"I must say that the medical staff is doing what they can with what they have, but it is not enough. There is nothing in Cuban hospitals. It's sad, very sad to see," this Cuban woman noted in a May post.
In that post, she also mentioned that Raisa had a spoon stolen from her at the hospital. "Raisa is blind; thanks to a friend of mine, we managed to get her another spoon because I live very far away. The spiritual misery of some Cubans knows no bounds."
Additionally, she reported that Raisa was "suffering from extreme heat" because she did not have a fan. Among other issues, it was complicated for the activist to "go to the bathroom" because she couldn't see anything, and she felt "extremely fatigued" due to anemia.
For more than 40 years, Raisa Núñez dedicated her life to protecting animals. She turned her home into a sanctuary for over 60 animals.
The Impact of Hospital Supply Shortages in Cuba
This section addresses common questions and concerns about the ongoing shortages in Cuban hospitals and their impact on patients.
What caused the medication and supply shortages at Calixto García Hospital?
The shortages are primarily due to a combination of economic mismanagement, the US embargo, and systemic inefficiencies within Cuba's healthcare system.
How are Cuban hospitals coping with these shortages?
Medical staff are doing their best with limited resources, but the lack of essential supplies makes it challenging to provide adequate care to patients.
What impact do these shortages have on patients?
Patients suffer from inadequate treatment, prolonged hospital stays without proper diagnosis, and a lack of basic amenities, which can lead to deteriorating health conditions and even death.