Cuban Woman Complains About Poor Hospital Service: "I Won't Tolerate Mistreatment by a Foreigner in My Own Country"

A Cuban woman named Deyni Terry Abreu took to social media to express her frustration after experiencing mistreatment at the hands of a foreign doctor at the Fructuoso Rodríguez Orthopedic Hospital in Havana. "I will not allow anyone to mistreat me in my own country, especially if they are a foreigner. When I visit a healthcare institution seeking medical assistance after an injury, I at least expect guidance on how to heal or get better," the upset patient stated.

Terry visited the hospital due to persistent throbbing pain in her knee, but claims the attending doctor failed to conduct a thorough examination. "She didn't even look at me," Terry lamented in her complaint. She identified the doctor as Karla Pérez García, an orthopedics specialist, and criticized her lack of service, stating that the doctor "did not recommend rest, anti-inflammatories, or anything." Instead, Pérez García directed her to get an X-ray, but later dismissed her concerns upon her return, suggesting the test was unnecessary and attributing the pain to wear and tear, noting the hospital's lack of medication.

The complaint also highlighted a hostile atmosphere during the medical consultation, where other foreign colleagues allegedly displayed indifference and mockery. "I expressed my disbelief at receiving such treatment at a hospital, and they told me to speak with the Hospital Director or Miguel Díaz-Canel. Another doctor even began chanting slogans typical of Cuban rallies, as if on a podium," Terry recounted.

Remaining composed, Terry questioned their presence in Cuba, only to be told by the staff that they paid to be there. In response to the situation, Terry requested to speak with the head of the guard, who acknowledged her complaint's validity and redirected her to another facility for treatment the following day. However, this new appointment would entail additional transportation costs due to her mobility issues.

"I regret having to file a complaint there, knowing that this platform won't resolve anything, but at least those visiting Fructuoso will be wary of this doctor. It's infuriating because these are the Latin American graduates who later work in private clinics back home and disregard the poor," Terry remarked.

Terry's story has sparked numerous reactions on social media, with others sharing similar experiences in Cuban hospitals. On the island, nearly all medical centers employ foreign health professionals, who may be medical students or resident doctors from various countries.

The severe crisis plaguing Cuba's public health system, characterized by shortages of medications, supplies, and qualified personnel, has led to a surge in complaints regarding poor care, delays in scheduling appointments, and neglect of patients, even those admitted to hospitals.

Last week, the regime responded to malpractice criticisms in the case of a child, Damir Ortiz. On a television program, spokesperson Humberto López issued legal threats amid increasing complaints about the collapse of the public health system. He warned that those criticizing medical care in Cuba might face legal repercussions, citing articles 45 and 48 of the Constitution. These veiled but clear threats targeted citizens who expose hospital and doctor irregularities on social media.

López acknowledged the deficiencies in Cuba's health system but defended the institutions and professionals, demonstrating the regime's intolerance for criticism, whether from inside or outside Cuba.