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A mother reported the precarious conditions at the "Julio Antonio Mella" polyclinic in the Havana municipality of Guanabacoa, where she took her sick baby. This highlights that in Cuba, the health crisis continues to impact families, who face significant challenges in accessing proper medical care.
According to the account of Mayris Santiesteban, a member of the Facebook group "Cuban Mothers for a Better World," she had to go to the mentioned health facility with her baby, who is only one year and four months old, due to the child's respiratory issues.
"I arrived at the clinic, shown here in the photos with my baby who was having difficulty breathing, at 10:45 p.m.," Mayris recounted in her post.
According to his testimony, upon arriving at the health center, the only treatment offered was an aerosol, as they did not have sufficient resources to perform other medical procedures, not even for injections.
The situation became even more frustrating when, upon arriving at the infirmary, she was informed that she needed to bring her own mouthpiece for the inhaler. "They only had three mouthpieces, and they were dirty," she noted.
In light of this situation, and without being able to receive proper care, Mayris had to return home upset and worried about her son’s health. “For me, this is unheard of. In the end, I wasted my time going all the way there only to come back very displeased,” she expressed.
The case shared by Santiesteban has generated significant attention in the Facebook group, where many other mothers and users have shared similar experiences regarding the lack of medical supplies in the island's healthcare institutions, or have offered advice on how to improve her child's health.
“Mom, get yourself an aerosol device and learn the dosages because it's only going to get worse,” were the words of an internet user.
Another comment recounted a similar experience. "This is how we are living; I took my child with a fever close to 40 degrees to Marfan, and luckily I was cautious and brought everything from thermometers to pain relievers. Supposedly, there were three thermometers—one had been stolen by a parent, another was broken, and the only one left had more than 20 children waiting for it. There was no pain reliever to bring down the fever. In short, it's hypocrisy; many doctors are sent on missions abroad, exploited in other countries, while Cuba keeps all the money and pays them poorly, and here, there aren’t even any doctors available for consultations."
"Imagine that there isn't even any plaster, so if you have a fracture, your bone will remain broken."another person reported.
“Mom, I’m from Matanzas and I have a 6-year-old daughter. Three days ago, she had a crisis, and I took her to the pediatric hospital, but I encountered the same situation there. It’s heartbreaking. They advised me to buy a nebulizer and medications for injection, which means we only go to the hospital to make use of their labor,” commented a mother.
These testimonies highlight the criticisms of the Cuban healthcare system, which for years was regarded as a pillar of the nation. However, the shortage of basic supplies, medications, and equipment has worsened, impacting the quality of service, especially in emergency situations.
Recently, the government acknowledged that more than 70% of essential medications are in short supply, severely affecting the quality of medical services in the country. Out of the 651 products listed in the Basic Medicines List, 461 are currently experiencing either total shortages or limited availability.
Patients have reported a shortage of syringes for administering emergency injections, leading to critical situations in healthcare centers. A citizen in Manzanillo recounted how, when he went to the hospital with his partner in the early morning, he was informed that they could not provide an injection due to the lack of syringes at the facility.
Although the authorities insist that the U.S. embargo is the main cause of these shortages, many voices within Cuban society point to structural issues in management and resource prioritization as determining factors.
Mayris's account reflects the desperation and discontent of citizens who, in the face of the shortcomings of the healthcare system, feel abandoned in critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a serious crisis, marked by shortages of medical supplies, medications, and personnel. Many hospitals lack basic equipment such as syringes and nebulizer mouthpieces, which severely impacts medical care.
What challenges do Cuban families face when seeking medical care?
Cuban families face significant challenges when seeking medical care, including the need to bring their own supplies such as aerosol nozzles and medications, due to the lack of resources in healthcare facilities.
How does the lack of medical resources affect patients in Cuba?
The lack of medical resources in Cuba significantly complicates patient care, leading to critical situations in emergencies and a shortage of appropriate treatments for serious illnesses.
What are the Cuban authorities doing about this health crisis?
Cuban authorities have acknowledged the problem of shortages in medications and supplies, indicating that the crisis will continue. However, many citizens criticize the management and prioritization of resources as contributing factors to this situation.
How does the health crisis impact Cuban children?
The health crisis in Cuba severely impacts children, who suffer from a lack of medical supplies and essential medications, putting their health at risk in critical situations.
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