The recent onslaught of Hurricane Rafael in the western Cuban province of Artemisa has plunged the healthcare sector into a severe crisis, with 119 facilities across 11 municipalities suffering damages. Artemisa alone accounts for a staggering 62% of the nation’s reported healthcare system damages, posing a significant challenge to the medical care of thousands, as per data shared by Telecentro ARTV-Artemisa on social media.
So far, only four facilities have been restored, reflecting a mere 3.3% progress in recovery efforts. Exacerbating the situation, the region still suffers from a power outage, complicating the recovery process.
Structural Damage and Equipment Losses
The hurricane has wreaked havoc on the infrastructure of health centers. A total of 54 facilities experienced roof damage, including 11 that lost waterproof membranes. Others saw their woodwork, glasswork, and suspended ceilings compromised, alongside essential plumbing networks crucial for daily operations.
Lack of supplies has further crippled healthcare services. Fourteen centers lost elevated water tanks, vital for continuous supply in hospitals and clinics. Additionally, two generators and two ambulances were rendered inoperative, impairing emergency response capabilities. Damages to electrical and climate control systems further hinder the maintenance of proper conditions for medical care and the preservation of medicines and vaccines.
Hospitals and Clinics in Dire Straits
Hospitals in pivotal municipalities like Artemisa, Guanajay, San Cristóbal, San Antonio de los Baños, and Mariel are among the hardest hit. Intensive care units, waiting areas, and corridors of these institutions sustained severe structural damage, directly impacting the treatment of critical patients and overall operational efficiency.
Clinics in municipalities such as Bauta, Bahía Honda, Candelaria, and Güira de Melena also reported extensive damage, with losses of equipment and structural integrity jeopardizing primary care services. Pharmacies and elder care homes throughout various locales faced significant roof and window damage, disrupting elderly care and medication supply.
Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Authorities have so far managed to restore the Pedro Esperón Clinic and three Family Medical Centers (CMF). However, the scope of repairs needed remains vast and urgent. Emergency teams are actively engaged in roof restoration, equipment repair, and service relocation to ensure at least basic functioning of critical centers in the province.
With over 90% of facilities still undergoing recovery, reconstruction efforts need to intensify to meet healthcare demands in a province still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael.
At approximately 4:20 p.m. last Wednesday, Hurricane Rafael struck the country as a Category 3 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale. By around 7:00 p.m., it exited through the Bahía de Cabañas in Artemisa, downgraded to Category 2.
To make matters worse, residents of Artemisa have been without electricity for a week, following a widespread blackout initiated by the hurricane's winds. Six days after the storm, only 2% of the province has regained power, according to Monday's report from the National Civil Defense Council. Despite reinforcement brigades from other regions, the electrical situation remains "very complex."