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The staff at the Provincial Hospital of Santiago de Cuba expresses their indignation and frustration, as 12 days into December, the regime has still not paid the salaries for November.
This delay has complicated workers' ability to purchase food for the December 31 celebrations, especially in a context where, as the year-end approaches, basic goods become increasingly expensive, exacerbating their frustrations even further.
A doctor from the healthcare center contacted the CiberCuba newsroom to report the situation, arguing that although the salaries barely cover basic monthly needs, she believes her rights as a worker have been severely violated.
"We spent the month watching patients die due to a lack of medications and supplies. Each day it becomes more difficult to make diagnoses because of the shortage of reagents. The food we are given is terrible, there are no conditions for working our shifts, and now, to make matters worse, our salary is delayed," he reported.
"They say that starting on the 15th is when we are supposed to be paid," he noted.
The management also viewed it as a disrespectful act to hold a food sale at the hospital when it was known that salaries had not been deposited into accounts.
"They sold pork for 690 pesos, a bit cheaper than the street price, as well as black beans for 350 and rice for 180. Very few people were able to buy. My husband, who is a doctor, and I live on our salary; we didn’t have money to buy," the doctor stated.
Social media often highlights the issues faced by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel whose salaries, while above the average for the general population, are insufficient to cover basic needs.
In the past, being a doctor was an admired profession in Cuba because it required significant effort for academic training. The job was well-paid, and doctors were recognized public figures.
The current reality of Cuban doctors is very different. Following the implementation of the misguided economic policies of the regime, their salaries are increasingly precarious, and many are leaving their jobs to emigrate or pursue other roles, far removed from the health sector.
The repeated mistreatment that Cuban doctors face has led many to question their love for the profession.
Recently, another doctor from Santiago de Cuba expressed, after years of disappointment: "Existence in Cuba has reduced to a race for survival, constrained by frequent blackouts, lack of water, scarcity, and inflation."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Medical Personnel in Santiago de Cuba
Why is the staff at the Provincial Hospital of Santiago de Cuba outraged?
The hospital staff is outraged because they have not received their salaries for November, making it difficult for them to purchase basic necessities, especially with rising prices as the end of the year approaches.
What are the working conditions like in the hospitals of Santiago de Cuba?
The working conditions in hospitals are precarious, characterized by a shortage of medications and supplies, inadequate food for the staff, and a lack of proper facilities for shifts. Furthermore, salaries are insufficient to meet basic needs.
How does the healthcare system crisis affect Cuban doctors?
The crisis severely impacts doctors, who must work in precarious conditions, with low salaries and a lack of resources. This has prompted many to consider emigration as a viable option for improving their quality of life.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the crisis in hospitals?
The Cuban government has prioritized some repairs to hospital infrastructure, but it has not addressed the shortage of medications and supplies. This lack of effective solutions continues to impact the quality of healthcare.
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