Reports of deteriorating health conditions in Cuba, including inadequate medical care, are frequently shared on social media. One such case involves a Cuban mother who has taken to these platforms to expose the situation regarding her son. "Today I need to make this post because I am desperate," the mother begins in a Facebook post shared in the group “Revolico Cienfuegos.”
The mother explains that after her son suffered a fall on August 6, a series of hardships followed concerning his medical care, particularly at Gustavo Aldereguía Hospital, where he was admitted. The injury caused the boy to experience "bleeding from the foreskin," and doctors informed her that his urethra was damaged.
"There were no medications available in the hospital to treat him," she laments, adding that they had to purchase "everything from gloves to catheters." She also had to buy Tranexamic acid at 4,500 pesos per 500ml ampoule. Despite this, her son's bleeding did not stop, and yet the doctors decided to discharge him after a week.
"He was readmitted because he developed a fever, ended up in the intensive care unit with cardiac arrest, experienced a slight improvement, and was sent back to the ward. Three days later, he was discharged again and fell ill the following day," the mother specifies.
In her post, she denounces that her son's condition has not improved, as he continues to leak fluid from where the catheter is placed. "The doctors say it's normal. I don't think it's normal for someone in his condition to be oozing pus," she protested.
"I urgently need help; I've requested a transfer to another hospital, but they refuse. If my son remains in that hospital, he will die," the mother pleaded desperately.
Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
The healthcare sector in Cuba is facing severe shortages of supplies and an exodus of professionals, a situation acknowledged by Cuban leaders. "Given the lack of supplies and medications, the best response we can offer our population in these difficult times is quality service, despite the shortages. We will continue to face a lack of medications," stated the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel during a meeting earlier this year, where he revealed that the medication shortage would persist throughout the year.
Multiple reports have highlighted the appalling state of hospital facilities in Cuba. Images from the Antonio María Béguez César Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, known as La Colonia, were shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada. The photos depict filthy bathrooms, broken furniture, non-functional sanitary installations, and poor-quality food for patients, illustrating the dire conditions faced by sick children and their parents.
Similar conditions prevail at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, where patients struggling to breathe cannot be treated due to a shortage of oxygen tanks, which are reserved for severe cases.
Understanding the Healthcare Shortages in Cuba
In light of the recent report on the dire conditions in Cuban hospitals, here are some questions and answers to provide further insights into the healthcare shortages affecting the island.
What are the main issues faced by Cuban hospitals?
Cuban hospitals are grappling with severe shortages of medical supplies and medications, as well as deteriorating infrastructure and an exodus of healthcare professionals.
How has the Cuban government responded to the healthcare crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the shortages and emphasized the need to maintain quality service despite these challenges. However, they have admitted that the scarcity of medications will continue.
What steps can patients take if they face inadequate care in Cuban hospitals?
Patients facing inadequate care should document their experiences and seek support through social media or community groups. Requesting transfers to other hospitals and reaching out to local and international organizations for assistance may also be necessary.