Following the circulation of a video on social media showing a worker physically assaulting a patient at the "Dr. Luis San Juan Pérez" Provincial Psychiatric Hospital in Santa Clara, health authorities in Villa Clara spoke out on Friday. The footage, initially shared by user Rubén Carrillo on X (formerly known as Twitter), depicts an alleged hospital aide engaging in a violent act against a patient, who appears to be experiencing a crisis.
Although the clip lacks audio, the visuals alone sparked outrage and condemnation online and among the general public. In reaction, the General Directorate of Health of Villa Clara released an informational note via CMHW "La Reina Radial del Centro" radio station, confirming that an official investigation into the matter is already underway.
An interdisciplinary commission has been formed to clarify the events. Authorities highlighted that the room where the incident purportedly took place was painted green over 15 days ago, suggesting the video is not recent. They expressed regret that the person filming did not intervene or immediately report the incident, which could have facilitated a timely response.
The statement emphatically denounced the situation, asserting it contradicts their principles. This latest incident of abuse in Cuban psychiatric institutions adds to ongoing complaints from relatives and activists regarding the lack of medical equipment, negligence, and poor conditions in similar facilities across the country.
In January, a mother publicly reported the breakdown of services at the Guantánamo Psychiatric Hospital. Meanwhile, another video from the same center portrayed an apparently orderly environment that many users criticized as a “staged scene.”
The episode also brings back memories of past tragedies, such as the 2010 incident at the Havana Psychiatric Hospital (Mazorra), where at least 26 patients died due to hypothermia and malnutrition. Similarly, in February, footage sent to CiberCuba revealed patients tied up, naked, and without sheets at the Martyrs of Mayarí Teaching Hospital in Holguín province.
Despite promises of reform, many families and human rights advocates continue to denounce the critical structural conditions within Cuba's mental health care system.
FAQs on Psychiatric Care Issues in Cuba
What sparked the investigation at the Villa Clara Psychiatric Hospital?
A video showing a worker assaulting a patient at the hospital went viral, prompting health authorities to initiate an investigation.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
The General Directorate of Health in Villa Clara issued a statement confirming an investigation and formed an interdisciplinary commission to clarify the events.
What are some of the historical issues with psychiatric care in Cuba?
Cuban psychiatric care has faced criticism for lack of medical equipment, negligence, and poor conditions, with notable incidents like the 2010 tragedy at Havana Psychiatric Hospital.