Cuban Woman Astonished by Cleanliness in Mexican Public Hospital: "No Dirt or Litter on the Floor"

For the first time, a young Cuban woman named Maryfra visited a healthcare facility in Mexico and was taken aback by its condition. Accustomed to the situation in Cuban hospitals, Maryfra, who resides in Quintana Roo, was impressed by the cleanliness and orderliness of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), where she went to discharge her mother. "I've never been to a healthcare center here in Mexico. Behind me, you can see the IMSS, and due to health issues my mom is experiencing, I'm paying for her insurance, and today we came to complete her discharge," she explained in a TikTok video (@maryfraaventuras).

What stood out the most was the state of the bathrooms, something she didn't expect from a public hospital. "We were really struck by how clean it is, even though it's a public place. The bathroom has toilet paper, and everything is in good condition. You don't see dirt or litter on the floor," she shared. "Knowing that my mom is being treated in a public place that's in such good condition makes me feel confident and very happy."

Later, Maryfra posted another video discussing differences between healthcare centers in Mexico and Cuba, particularly the organization of appointments. According to her, her mother was given the option to choose her consultation time. "They let her choose between morning or afternoon appointments. My mom picked the morning slot. This really caught my attention because in Cuba, it’s not like that," she noted.

Maryfra highlighted the difficulty of finding specialists in her home country. "It's tough to find a specialist for medical care. I don't know if they've all left the country. Sometimes you go to the appointment, and the specialists aren't there," she explained. She also mentioned that the organization in Mexico felt much more structured compared to her experiences in Cuba. "It's not organized like that over there."

After completing the process, she expressed satisfaction that her mother had been discharged, and they now needed to decide how to access medical consultations. "What do you recommend? Should we line up at three in the morning, or book the appointment through IMSS digital?" she asked her followers.

The videos sparked thousands of reactions and prompted debate among Mexicans and Cubans. Some saw her testimony as highlighting the positives of the IMSS and the importance of appreciating what's available. "It took someone from abroad for us to appreciate what we have," one user remarked. Another compared it to other countries: "People complain about IMSS, but try living elsewhere, like the United States, where a simple cold can leave you in debt for life."

However, others noted that Maryfra's experience isn't representative of all IMSS hospitals. "Which clinic did you visit? Because in mine, there's no toilet paper, and the bathrooms are always dirty," one user commented. Another criticized the system's sluggishness: "It's not bad, but it's very slow. It can take months to get a proper diagnosis with all the appointments and tests."

As her second video went viral, many reactions focused on the comparison with Cuba and the IMSS appointment process. "I can't believe someone is praising how the IMSS operates," one user wrote incredulously. Others humorously pointed out the long waits for specialist appointments: "Wait until you book an appointment; they'll give you one for 2030."

Questions arose about how a foreigner could access the service, prompting clarifications. "The IMSS isn't exactly a public hospital; it's for workers who contribute to it. If you don't work for a company, you have to pay separately," explained a user. Another added, "Not even those of us born here have insurance, but it's great she could pay for her mom."

Inevitable comparisons with Cuba emerged. "If you think the IMSS is clean and efficient, how must the hospitals in Cuba be?" one user pondered. Another commented, "People complain here, but if they saw what it's like depending on a hospital in Havana, they'd understand the difference."

Regarding the appointment process, several users recommended using the IMSS Digital app to avoid long waits. "Book your appointment online; it's much easier and faster," suggested a follower. However, others insisted that showing up early is still the best option in some cases. "If you want a quick appointment, you have to line up; if it's not urgent, book through the app," explained another user.

Some comments highlighted that medical care quality in IMSS varies by clinic and city. "Some hospitals are good, and others are in terrible condition. It all depends on where you're assigned," noted a user. Another shared a positive experience: "I've been getting monthly appointments for two years, and there's always availability, tests, medications, and follow-up for my health."

This isn't the first time Maryfra's testimony has sparked debate online. Recently, she responded to criticism about her presence in Mexico, asserting that she works, studies, pays taxes, and plans to start a business in the country. She received both support and criticism regarding migration's impact.

The viral nature of her video has reignited discussions about Mexico's healthcare system. While some praise its accessibility and facilities, others argue it still has many shortcomings. Her testimony has encouraged many to reflect on the differences in healthcare services across countries.