Relatives of a Cuban woman suffering from kidney issues have reported her death, attributing it to insufficient medical care in Havana. Elia Rodríguez, a Havana native living in Miami, has blamed Cuba's healthcare system for the death of her cousin, Rosa.
"She died in Cuba due to a lack of medical attention. She went to the hospital for dialysis, and even though she had all her medications, there was no water," Rodríguez shared on her Facebook page. According to her account, Rosa was redirected at 9:00 AM to another hospital for treatment, although Elia did not confirm if her cousin ultimately received it.
"Cuba claims that healthcare is free, yet people are dying because the hospitals are non-functional," she emphasized. There have been numerous reports of patients suffering due to the scarcity of medicines and supplies in Cuban hospitals, and too often, as in this case, the outcome is tragic.
In October, a mother of two exhibiting dengue symptoms died in Havana after failing to receive proper medical care. According to a close acquaintance, the woman was taken twice to a clinic, vomiting blood, with fever and severe headaches, but was sent home because "they said there were no medicines."
In January, Dariannis Mejías Reyes reported the death of her 53-year-old mother, alleging medical negligence at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital in Bayamo, Granma. "Getting her treated was an ordeal. After hours, they sent her home with a negative ultrasound and treatment for a supposed kidney infection. The doctor didn’t even take her blood pressure because they didn’t have a sphygmomanometer," Reyes detailed.
In May of the previous year, a woman reported her brother's death following a hip fracture due to a lack of resources for surgery. "My brother, who was only 62, died simply because of a hip fracture that couldn’t be operated on. This country lacks the materials for a proper surgical procedure; even the health protocol has changed, but not for the benefit of the population," stated Rita María Leyva.
Medical Care Crisis in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What are the main challenges facing Cuba's healthcare system?
Cuba's healthcare system is facing significant challenges, including shortages of medications and essential medical supplies, inadequate infrastructure, and reports of medical negligence.
How does the lack of resources impact patient care in Cuba?
The scarcity of resources leads to delayed or insufficient medical treatment, which can result in preventable deaths and exacerbate existing health conditions.
Why are there reports of medical negligence in Cuban hospitals?
Reports of medical negligence often arise from systemic issues, such as lack of medical supplies, inadequate training, and overwhelmed healthcare facilities, which compromise the standard of care.