Cockroaches, water shortages, lack of hygiene, and other issues are reported from the Maternidad Obrera hospital in Havana by a patient admitted there, who describes her experience at the facility as "stressful."
The young woman, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told CiberCuba that she is hospitalized there due to a threatened miscarriage. However, during her stay, she has witnessed the lack of hygiene and basic conditions in the ward where she is admitted.
"They haven't cleaned since Saturday. Now they are painting the facade and polishing the marble, but the rooms are..." says the patient who is seven months pregnant.
It also describes how they collect water. It mentions that it's done through a hose, "which comes from where the sink installation should be," and that very few cubicles have that option.
To illustrate her situation, she sent some images showing the deteriorated conditions of the bathroom. Worn tiles, damp walls, bins overflowing with waste, and a sink with a sign that says DO NOT TOUCH. This is the environment the young woman has to endure day after day since being placed under medical observation and care.
However, what worries her the most, along with the other patients, is that there are cockroaches in the room. "The girls in the other beds haven't been able to sleep for fear they'll crawl over them," she states, admitting that she covers herself from head to toe to avoid any possible contact with the insects. Unfortunately, the stress has caused her blood sugar levels to rise, which is another reason she is there.
At another point in the conversation with CiberCuba, the expectant mother revealed that in her small space, out of three power outlets, "only half of two work," so they have to use extension cords to distribute electricity and install the fans.
This is not the first complaint related to the Maternidad Obrera hospital to be published on this site. In August, we also received a set of images that displayed the complete lack of hygiene in this health center, which has been providing services since 1941.
"The landfill is terrible. That is the only place with water in the entire area, and it's where the cleaning staff dispose of the water and rinse the mops," they reported from the island, highlighting the alarming situation.
However, the Eusebio Hernández hospital, as renamed by the Cuban government in 1966, sought to project an image of cleanliness and renewal when its façade became the victim of an aesthetic sacrilege, adorned with propaganda posters for the 500th anniversary of Havana. This initiative was not well received by the locals, who felt it overshadowed the sober façade of the medical center.
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