The hospital in Cárdenas, located in Matanzas province, is facing a critical situation that has sparked outrage among citizens. For over 15 days, the main elevator has been out of service, complicating patient transfers in an environment where mobility is crucial for medical care.
The Facebook page "Comunidad Cardenense" reported on Wednesday that due to the elevator malfunction, stretcher-bearers have been tasked with the strenuous job of moving patients up and down the stairs.
"January 8, 2025: Cárdenas Hospital has gone 15 days with a broken elevator; two stretcher-bearers are carrying individuals up and down the stairs," highlighted the profile in its report.
A video shared on social media captures two workers transporting patients through the hospital's narrow staircases, exposing both patients and staff to significant physical risks.
The complaint has elicited numerous comments online, with users criticizing the lack of solutions and the deterioration of basic services at one of the city's most critical healthcare facilities.
Wilmia Reyes remarked, "It's disrespectful and inconsiderate that even hospitals can't provide the minimum for patients! Many are in critical condition and shouldn't be moved, but they don't care. It's horrible what's happening, especially in hospitals, with no medicine for patients, forcing families to find ways to pay for them, often unsuccessfully due to shortages."
Yaniris Pérez added, "Every day things get worse: no medication and soon no stretcher-bearers because no one can endure this. Let's see when they resolve this issue; they saw patients could be moved like this, and now the repair will take even longer. We still talk about medical power—what a disrespect. Where are the authorities to see this and provide a solution?"
Ramón Gómez emphasized, "It's inconceivable that some still have the audacity to defend this. There's no shame, let alone dignity, because dignity should guide everything we do. But defend something worth defending, not the misery imposed on us so others can profit from our suffering."
Noelvis Villa shared his frustration, having experienced this issue firsthand: "I lived through this with my critically ill father awaiting surgery while the new elevator was being installed and the stairs were in disrepair. That was years ago, and we're still in the same situation—or worse."
Often, patients' families turn to social media to highlight the countless issues plaguing public healthcare in Cuba, which, amid a severe economic crisis, continues to claim it is among the best globally.
Recently, a video revealing the dire conditions at the Military Hospital in Marianao, Havana, has fueled outrage on social platforms. The footage documents a Cuban showing the lack of hygiene and severe decay in key hospital areas, including surgical rooms.
Issues Facing Cuban Healthcare
What challenges is the Cárdenas Hospital facing without an elevator?
The Cárdenas Hospital is struggling with the transportation of patients, as stretcher-bearers are forced to carry them up and down the stairs, posing risks to both patients and staff.
How have citizens reacted to the elevator issue at the hospital?
Citizens have expressed outrage and frustration on social media, criticizing the lack of solutions and the overall decline in healthcare services.
What other healthcare issues have been highlighted in Cuba recently?
A video showing the poor conditions at the Military Hospital in Marianao, Havana, has drawn attention to the lack of hygiene and severe deterioration in critical areas, including surgical rooms.