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Relatives of a young man interned at the Psychiatric Hospital of Holguín, known as "Los Cocos," are urgently seeking their son, who escaped from the institution this week.
The young man, whose name has not been revealed, was undergoing psychiatric treatment when he decided to escape from the hospital.
His parents are desperate and are asking for the community's help to find him.
"Please, if anyone sees him, he is my son, he escaped from Los Cocos hospital," the mother wrote in a message posted on Facebook. "You can contact me at the number 56056613, and this is his father's: 51715328," she added.
This case highlights an alarming reality within the Cuban healthcare system, particularly regarding the treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses.
Many of these patients suffer from a lack of medication and adequate care, which impacts both their recovery and their well-being within the institutions.
In November 2024, a young man from the psychiatric hospital in Las Tunas also escaped due to a lack of food.
According to a testimony shared on social media, the patient, around 20 years old, was found in a house asking for food and clothing.
The woman who found him reported that the young man, who was wearing the hospital uniform, explained that he had escaped due to the hunger he was experiencing and the lack of visitors.
Although she initially feared for her safety, the woman decided to help him by giving him clothes and food before he left.
Reports of resource shortages in Cuban psychiatric hospitals are becoming increasingly frequent. The lack of medication, the overload of patients, and inadequate conditions in many healthcare facilities severely impact the patients, who often feel neglected and abandoned.
A particularly tragic case that came to light in early 2024 was that of Gisell Villafranco, a 24-year-old woman who committed suicide after jumping from the eighth floor of the Miguel Enríquez Hospital in Havana.
Gisell's family reported medical negligence in her treatment, as the young woman suffered from uncontrolled schizophrenia and the medication she was given was not suitable for her condition, leaving her sedated without improving her illness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis in the Mental Health System in Cuba
Why did the young man escape from the Holguín Psychiatric Hospital?
The young man escaped from the hospital due to the lack of medications and proper care, a common issue in Cuban psychiatric hospitals. The situation reflects the shortcomings of the healthcare system in the country, which severely impacts patients with mental health conditions.
What is the state of the mental health system in Cuba?
The mental health system in Cuba is in critical condition, facing issues such as a shortage of medications, a lack of personnel, and inadequate conditions in psychiatric hospitals. Patients often feel neglected and abandoned, which has been evident in several cases of escapes and reports of mistreatment.
What actions are families of psychiatric patients taking in response to this crisis?
Many Cuban families are forced to take desperate measures due to a lack of resources. For example, a mother in Banes requested help to build a cell in her home for her mentally ill son, as the lack of medication makes him uncontrollable and dangerous for his family.
What are the main complaints about psychiatric hospitals in Cuba?
Common complaints about psychiatric hospitals in Cuba include lack of medication, mistreatment of patients, unsanitary conditions, and staff shortages. These conditions have led to extreme situations, such as the use of electroshock due to a lack of sedatives and patients escaping due to hunger.
What measures can be taken to improve the mental health situation in Cuba?
It is crucial for the Cuban government to take urgent measures to ensure access to medications and improve conditions in mental health institutions. Additionally, there is a need to increase the training and quantity of specialized medical personnel to provide adequate care to patients.
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