In the face of significant staffing shortages, Matanzas health officials boast having achieved complete medical coverage throughout the province for 2024. Mariela Romero Pérez, head of Primary Healthcare, stated, "Despite the shortage of permanent doctors in clinics, we have implemented strategies to ensure no patient is left without care," as reported by the state-run newspaper Girón.
These strategies involved redistributing available personnel and conducting external consultations, field visits, and inter-consultations in key areas such as pediatrics, general medicine, and gynecology-obstetrics. Romero claimed that, even under these conditions, "the main indicators of Primary Healthcare have been exceeded."
However, the assertions of full coverage starkly contrast with the numerous challenges the province's healthcare system faces. A persistent shortage of basic supplies and medications continues to plague both Primary Healthcare and hospitals. Elaine Hernández Febles, head of the Department of Medications and Medical Technologies, acknowledged that "resource assurances were compromised," necessitating tighter controls in pharmacies and institutions to maximize available resources. "It's not about focusing on what we lack, but rather doing the best with what we have," she remarked.
Transportation, another critical link in the system, hindered the operational capacity of medical services. The lack of vehicles affected both personnel mobility and the distribution of resources in rural areas, leaving many patients with limited access to care, as noted by Girón.
The hygienic-epidemiological situation also faced significant hurdles. The province had a challenging year battling dengue, resulting in high morbidity rates and several severe cases with fatal outcomes. "Although efforts were made to prevent these outcomes, the reality is that the system's conditions are far from ideal," admitted Andrés Lamas Acevedo, provincial director of Public Health.
In hospitals, the shortages are equally evident. Abel Iván Semper González, director of Medical Assistance, reported that Matanzas hospitals operated in 2024 under intense pressure due to resource constraints. "We've tried to maintain a surgical rhythm to address emergencies and oncology cases, but the limitations are clear. Despite this, we've managed to ensure critical patients receive care," he stated. He also pointed out that although there hasn't been an increase in beds in nursing homes, there are no waiting lists, attributing this to more efficient management.
In addition to the shortage of permanent doctors, the province is grappling with a nursing staff deficit. While retirees and students in pre-professional stages have been rehired, the problem persists, particularly in rural areas and specialized services. Geraldo Miguel Benito Hernández, president of the Nursing Chapter in Matanzas, admitted that "the department's stability has depended on alternatives and staff commitment, but challenges remain."
Structural deficiencies add to technological issues. Although medical appointments have been digitized in some municipalities, the system has not been uniformly implemented across the province, excluding key hospitals. "We continue working to improve technology and extend digitization, but the process is slow due to a lack of resources," explained José Santos Chaviano, director of Provincial Health Management.
Public health in Matanzas faces a paradox: while authorities claim full coverage, the reality reveals an overburdened system, with staff shortages, limited resources, and an infrastructure struggling to remain functional. Although the strategies implemented aim to mitigate the effects of these deficiencies, the challenges persist, testing the system's ability to deliver the quality care the population needs.
Understanding Healthcare Challenges in Matanzas
What strategies are being implemented to address the doctor shortage in Matanzas?
Authorities are redistributing available personnel and conducting external consultations, field visits, and inter-consultations in critical areas like pediatrics and gynecology-obstetrics.
How is the medication shortage being managed?
The Department of Medications and Medical Technologies is tightening controls in pharmacies and institutions to maximize available resources, despite the compromised assurances.
What impact does the transportation issue have on healthcare services in Matanzas?
The lack of vehicles hinders both the mobility of medical staff and the distribution of resources, particularly affecting rural areas and limiting patient access to necessary care.
Are there any improvements in the digitalization of healthcare services?
Some municipalities have seen digitized medical appointments, but the implementation is not uniform across the province, leaving key hospitals without digital systems.