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A Cuban citizen reported alleged medical negligence at a polyclinic in Havana. In response, the authorities denied the accusations and stated that the patient was under the influence of alcohol at the time of being treated.
The complaint from the Cuban, who was not identified, was against the "Van Troy" Polyclinic in Centro Habana. The Municipal Health Directorate of that municipality responded to the accusations, dismissing them and labeling them as false.
According to the initial report posted on the Facebook profile "La Tijera," the young man arrived at the clinic with an injury, severe pain in his knee, and what could be a fracture.
However, he claimed that he was treated negligently by a nurse, who allegedly advised him to "wash with soap and water at home."
The complainant left the medical center without receiving what they considered adequate treatment, highlighting the deterioration of the healthcare system and blaming the government for the situation.
In its official response, the Municipal Health Directorate of Centro Habana categorically denied the patient's account.
In a statement, they indicate that "the publication is false" and that the established protocols were followed to treat the patient, who, according to the authorities, sustained a friction burn and not a serious injury.
According to the note published by the Municipal Assembly of the People's Power of Centro Habana on its Facebook profile, the patient was attended to by a specialized nurse who implemented the appropriate protocols.
According to the government source, appropriate treatment was provided, including wound care and recommendations for recovery at home.
Furthermore, the authorities stated that the patient refused to give his name and was inebriated, ruling out the poor condition of the streets as the cause of the accident, as he initially claimed.
Healthcare in Cuba faces challenges related to resources and infrastructure, according to recent reports.
In September 2024, a mother reported the deplorable conditions at the Camagüey Psychiatric Hospital, where she claimed basic supplies such as gloves, beds, and disinfectants were lacking. According to her testimony, the hospitalization wards were in an unsanitary state, with deteriorating walls and restrooms out of order.
Another report published in October 2024 revealed that several hospitals in the country are lacking essential supplies, including syringes and basic medications, forcing patients to seek resources on their own in the black market.
Cuban doctors have openly described the precariousness of their working environment, as in a recent case where a professional revealed how a hospital operates with a critical shortage of doctors and resources.
The shortage of staff in the emergency rooms has also been reported at the Sancti Spíritus Hospital, where patients wait hours or even days to receive medical care.
Outrage has grown due to recent cases, such as that of a mother demanding justice for her son's death, alleging medical negligence at the "General Luis Milanés Tamayo" Provincial Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Granma province.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Negligence in Cuba
What did the Cuban citizen report about healthcare in Havana?
A Cuban citizen reported medical negligence at the "Van Troy" Polyclinic in Centro Habana, claiming that he was inadequately treated by a nurse who merely suggested he wash his wound at home, despite his injuries. The government responded by accusing him of being drunk during the incident.
What was the Cuban government's response to the allegation of medical negligence?
The Cuban government, through the Municipal Health Directorate of Centro Habana, dismissed the allegation of medical negligence, labeling it as false. They stated that the appropriate protocols were followed and that the patient was attended to properly by experienced staff.
How is the deterioration of the Cuban healthcare system affecting its citizens?
The deterioration of the healthcare system in Cuba is evident in the lack of resources, personnel, and medical equipment, leading to numerous reports of medical negligence. Patients face long wait times and, at times, have to seek out resources on the black market.
What other cases of medical negligence have been reported in Cuba recently?
Recently, numerous cases of medical negligence have been reported in Cuba, including inadequate care in hospitals, shortages of essential supplies, and critical situations in psychiatric hospitals. Reports include deaths due to lack of assistance, unsanitary conditions, and undignified treatment of patients.
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