Relatives of patients hospitalized at the Antonio María Béguez Children's Hospital—also known as La Colonia—in Santiago de Cuba, have reported the appalling quality of the food given to the children.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared photos of the meals on his Facebook page. The meals, served on a Tuesday afternoon, included two dishes: the first with a small portion of rice, two fritter-like patties, and a piece of root vegetable. The second dish, labeled as "dessert," contained a slice of melon and a piece of bread.
The images have sparked outrage among internet users. "That is zoo food; it would be a good idea to take those meals to the National Assembly for the deputies to eat them," commented one young man. "How are they supposed to recover with that food? Unbelievable," questioned an employee of CUPET.
"This is the sad reality not only in the pediatric hospital but in all medical facilities," stated a resident of Santiago de Cuba. "What a disgrace, and the hotels are full of food and no tourists," criticized another woman.
Just over a month ago, an internet user posted a picture of the meals given to children at the pediatric hospital in Guantánamo: a bit of white rice, peas, and five pieces of boiled plantain.
In addition to the poor food quality, parents of patients at La Colonia have previously complained about unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene. They have reported bathrooms filled with urine and paper, and foul smells in the waiting area due to the lack of cleaning staff.
FAQs on Food Quality and Sanitary Conditions in Cuban Hospitals
Due to the recent reports on the substandard food quality and poor sanitary conditions in Cuban hospitals, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to provide more insights into this pressing issue.
What kind of food is being served to children at La Colonia hospital?
Children at La Colonia hospital are being served meals that include small portions of rice, fritter-like patties, a piece of root vegetable, and for dessert, a slice of melon and a piece of bread.
Have there been reports of similar issues in other hospitals in Cuba?
Yes, similar issues have been reported in other hospitals, including the pediatric hospital in Guantánamo where children were served white rice, peas, and boiled plantains.
What other problems have been reported at La Colonia hospital?
In addition to poor food quality, parents have complained about unsanitary conditions, including bathrooms filled with urine and paper, and foul smells in the waiting area due to a lack of cleaning staff.