New images from the Hospital Infantil Sur "Antonio María Béguez César", also known as La Colonia, have been shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada. The photos highlight the severe crisis facing the healthcare system across the country: filthy bathrooms bordering on disgusting, broken furniture, non-functional sanitary installations, and terrible food for patients—all part of the dire conditions faced by sick children and their parents.
Public Outcry
Hundreds of people have commented on Mayeta's Facebook post.
"May God guard and protect our children from getting sick. It's so sad," lamented one mother.
"Speechless, at what level is the supposed medical power," remarked a young woman.
"They don't provide the necessary resources to the cleaning staff. Just imagine, only when a visitor comes, it's all a facade. Besides, there's nothing due to lack of management and shamelessness," pointed out a resident of Santiago.
Another mother emphasized that these problems have always existed at La Colonia, recounting the only time her son (now a grown man) was admitted when he was six years old.
"The lack of hygiene in the bathrooms was so severe that I hesitated to bathe him. The only thing I could think of was to bathe him in a basin I brought from home and told him, 'stand straighter than a candle.' This lack of hygiene can cause a child to come in with one illness and get sick from all the filth," she explained.
A woman from Havana regretted that almost all hospital bathrooms in Cuba maintain these same inhumane conditions. "And the worst part is, who are you going to complain to?" she questioned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Conditions in Cuba
Given the alarming state of healthcare facilities in Cuba, many people have questions about the underlying issues. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What are the main issues facing Cuban hospitals?
The main issues include filthy bathrooms, broken furniture, non-functional sanitary installations, and poor-quality food for patients.
Who is responsible for the poor conditions in Cuban hospitals?
The issues stem from a lack of resources, poor management, and government negligence.
How do these conditions affect patients and their families?
These inhumane conditions can exacerbate existing illnesses and create additional health risks for both patients and their families.