The Pediatric University Hospital of Centro Habana has issued an official statement in response to accusations concerning the alleged sale of medications within one of its wards. The complaint was lodged by Omar Martínez, the father of an admitted patient, who claimed to have received an audio message from the child’s mother suggesting the possibility of purchasing medications from a nurse at the facility.
According to the hospital's statement, Martínez "referred to an alleged sale of services (medications) in a hospital ward, presenting an audio where the mother of his child admitted to our institution tells the father (complainant) that the nurse could sell 15 vials of Cefazolin and 5 vials of hydrocortisone."
In response to this allegation, the hospital's director, Dr. Erelis Verona Ibañez, invoked her authority under Article 59, paragraph c) of the General Hospital Regulations to establish an investigative commission to address the case. The commission, consisting of “six esteemed employees” and chaired by the director, was given 30 business days to conduct a thorough review of the facts.
During the investigation, the child’s mother was interviewed in the presence of hospital officials. In her testimony, she admitted to calling the father to request financial assistance during a moment of "desperation and anxiety," with the aim of obtaining a hospital discharge to continue treatment at home. “She stated that she intended to speak with the nurse but never did. She also affirmed that she had no complaints about the medical care received,” the official note reads, without clarifying whether "speaking with the nurse" implied an intention to propose the purchase of medications.
The hospital added that the commission conducted various checks, including a review of Instruction 206, which governs the "Procedures for Reviews of Food, Medication, Fixed Funds, and Maintenance Materials Consumption." The investigation concluded that "there were no shortages or surpluses of Cefazolin or hydrocortisone in the service."
Ultimately, the institution declared the complaint "unfounded," stating that there was no evidence to support the father's claims. The hospital noted that the response to the complaint is available for collection by the interested party and expressed regret that the father had publicized the issue on social media before receiving the official response. "The response would have been delivered privately, as is the right of every parent. However, since the child's father has broadcast the events on social media, according to his own interpretation, without justification, a response is being issued via digital social networks," the statement added.
The child has been discharged after a satisfactory recovery and remains under follow-up until full recuperation. The Pediatric University Hospital of Centro Habana concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the health of its patients and transparency in its service management, urging families to channel any complaints or concerns through the institution's official mechanisms.
In recent years, there have been increasing reports of the sale of supplies and medications in Cuban hospitals, a situation that reflects the deterioration of the island's public health system due to resource shortages. Patients and their families have frequently reported that some healthcare workers allegedly resort to the illegal sale of these products within hospital premises. Although the Cuban government has repeatedly denied these accusations and conducted similar investigations to that of the Pediatric University Hospital of Centro Habana, public discontent continues to grow, leading to distrust in the quality and accessibility of the healthcare system.
FAQs on Allegations of Illegal Medication Sales in Cuban Hospitals
In light of the recent allegations and the hospital's response, here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the issue.
What was the nature of the complaint against the Pediatric University Hospital of Centro Habana?
The complaint involved allegations of illegal medication sales within the hospital, specifically accusing a nurse of offering to sell Cefazolin and hydrocortisone to the parent of a patient.
How did the hospital respond to the allegations?
The hospital established an investigative commission, conducted interviews and checks, and ultimately found no evidence to support the claims. The complaint was deemed unfounded.
What did the investigation by the hospital uncover?
The investigation revealed that there were no shortages or surpluses of the medications in question, and the mother of the patient admitted she never actually spoke to the nurse about purchasing medications.
What has been the public reaction to such allegations in Cuban hospitals?
There has been growing public discontent and distrust in the healthcare system, as increasing reports of illegal sales of supplies and medications highlight the ongoing resource shortages in Cuban hospitals.