The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has issued a response to the alarming complaints regarding patient conditions at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital in Holguín province, which were highlighted by the media outlet CiberCuba. Visual evidence and witness accounts, shared with our editorial team by activist Adry Díaz and made public on February 26, exposed the dire situation of patients, including elderly individuals restrained to beds, unclothed, and visibly malnourished. Beds lacked sheets, and patients expressed concerns about the whereabouts of hospital resources.
In its response, MINSAP defended Cuba's healthcare system, emphasizing that despite "economic hardships worsened by the economic blockade," providing care to "vulnerable patients remains a government priority." Julio Yamel Verdecia Reyes, head of the Municipal Health Directorate in Mayarí, remarked that “monitoring demographic dynamics and attending to the most vulnerable groups within healthcare services remain fundamental, even with limited resources.”
"I demand this pigsty be shut down. If they care so much about the people, they should organize a team to clean this up. There are no gloves or medicines," the activist proclaimed in her statement. She also criticized alleged manipulations by authorities to portray a positive image of the hospital, claiming that after photos of seemingly orderly beds were taken, sheets and other items were removed.
Ongoing Deterioration and Unmet Promises
CiberCuba, which reported on the complaints, pointed out that conditions at the hospital have been deteriorating for years, with patient grievances persisting since the onset of the pandemic over five years ago. The official also acknowledged the hospital's efforts to adapt to new guidelines being implemented in the region's maternal and child program, though specific complaints about hospital conditions and immediate improvement plans were not addressed.
The entity also presented images of the same ward and patients featured in the videos sent to CiberCuba, now shown with clean clothes and beddings. Activist Adry Díaz, who echoed the complaint on social media, expressed her frustration over the lack of attention at the hospital and urged the Cuban government to take swift action to rectify the situation.
Systemic Failures and Public Outcry
In a widely shared message, she harshly criticized local authorities for what she perceives as a total neglect of patients and a failure to tackle infrastructure, hygiene, and medication supply issues at the hospital. MINSAP, in its statement, reiterated that healthcare conditions in the region continue to be impacted by resource shortages but did not directly address specific allegations about hygiene deficiencies and inadequate patient care.
Recently, testimonies similar to those in the videos have highlighted severe shortcomings in the Cuban healthcare system, particularly concerning the treatment of the most vulnerable patients.
FAQs on Healthcare Challenges at Mayarí Hospital
What prompted MINSAP to respond to the hospital conditions?
MINSAP responded following reports and evidence of poor conditions at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital, which were disseminated by CiberCuba and highlighted by activist Adry Díaz.
What are the main complaints about the hospital's conditions?
Complaints include patients being left unclothed, restrained to beds, visibly malnourished, and lacking basic supplies like sheets, gloves, and medicines.
How has the government justified the current conditions?
The government attributes the situation to economic hardships exacerbated by the blockade, stating that care for vulnerable patients remains a priority despite these challenges.