An Argentinian tourist visiting Cuba recently took to social media to highlight the alarming state of the island's public health system, sharing videos that expose the challenges she faced during her stay.
The tourist in question is Melina Moriatis, an award-winning journalist who received the Martín Fierro prize in 2024 and boasts more than 570,000 followers on TikTok (@melimoriatisfit).
Moriatis, known for her international journalism, recounted how an earache led her to seek medical attention in Cuba, only to discover a disheartening reality.
Dire Conditions in Cuban Hospitals
Upon arriving at the Cuban hospital, she found the conditions to be appalling. The doctor's chair was broken, and the physician advised her to find something for the pain. The health facility appeared dirty and under-resourced, with patients in pain lining the hallways, waiting for care.
After her hospital visit, Moriatis went to a pharmacy, but the situation there was no better. She reported being unable to find even the most basic medications. "There was no paracetamol or ibuprofen. Absolutely nothing," she stated.
Adding to the disarray, she described the pharmacist as sitting unprofessionally with her legs up on a chair, engrossed in her mobile phone.
Moriatis' experience in Cuba has sparked significant reactions on social media, where her videos have ignited a debate about the current deplorable state of the country's health care system.
Despite traditionally being a cornerstone of the Cuban government, the deficiencies highlighted by Moriatis cast doubt on the Ministry of Public Health's ability to meet even the most basic needs of its population.
Questions and Answers About Cuba's Health Care System
Moriatis' experience has led many to question the effectiveness and current state of Cuba's health care system. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What did Melina Moriatis experience in the Cuban hospital?
Melina Moriatis found the conditions at the Cuban hospital to be deplorable, with a broken chair for the doctor and a lack of basic medical supplies. The facility was also dirty and overcrowded with patients in pain.
Was Melina Moriatis able to find medication at the pharmacy?
No, Moriatis reported that she could not find basic medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen at the pharmacy. The pharmacist was unprofessional, further highlighting the issues within the health care system.
How has Melina Moriatis' experience impacted public perception of Cuba's health care system?
Her experience has sparked a significant debate on social media about the current state of Cuba's health care system, questioning the ability of the Ministry of Public Health to meet even the most basic needs of the population.