Related videos:
A man died this Wednesday in the waiting area of the Miguel Enríquez Hospital (La Benéfica) in Havana, apparently after not receiving the medical attention he had requested upon arriving at the medical center with difficulty urinating.
According to the testimony of a hospital worker, the patient arrived during the night, complaining of being unable to urinate, reported the journalist Yosmany Mayeta on his Facebook channel.
After consulting a urologist, a catheter was placed, and it was determined that the case required surgical intervention. A surgeon was sought, who, according to the source, was a student, but after examining the patient, left him in the hallway without any further attention.
The same source reported that during the night, medical and nursing staff typically rest, which resulted in a lack of attention for the patient, who, according to the witness, was left without any further care.
"They told the nurse to administer an IV, but she refused and laid down to sleep," the source added. In the morning, those in that area of the hospital noticed that the man had passed away.
Unfortunately, the man was not registered in the Guard Corps and, due to the lack of attention, his identity remains unknown. At this time, the body remains in the hospital morgue, the source reports.
Dozens of internet users have stated in the comments on the post that they have had similar experiences at that hospital, commonly referred to as "the fridge," "because you go in warm and come out cold," they claim.
"In that same hospital, I arrived with a very strong pain without knowing what it was, and there was neither a doctor nor a nurse nearby; I had to lie on the floor enduring the pain, and little by little I started to feel better. A doctor finally showed up after about 30 minutes, and only after I had started to feel better did they look for the person who does ultrasounds, who also wasn’t around. That was back in 2017 when there was everything available. Tell me now, when there is nothing, ahhh, and it was in the afternoon," shared an internet user.
Other internet users called for severe measures for the staff, while others claim that the healthcare system in Cuba has collapsed and no hospital operates as it did before.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Negligence and the Health System Crisis in Cuba
What was the cause of death of the man at Miguel Enríquez Hospital in Havana?
The man died due to a lack of proper medical attention. He was left in a hallway without receiving the necessary treatment, highlighting a concerning negligence on the part of the hospital medical staff.
What does this case reflect about the state of the health system in Cuba?
This case exemplifies the serious deficiencies of the Cuban healthcare system, which include a lack of trained personnel, shortages of basic resources, and medical negligence that endanger patients' lives.
What other recent cases of medical negligence have been reported in Cuba?
Multiple cases of medical negligence have been reported, including fatalities due to lack of care in hospitals in Havana and other provinces, such as a woman showing symptoms of dengue and a patient in need of dialysis who did not receive appropriate treatment.
How is the Cuban government responding to these allegations of medical negligence?
The Cuban government has dismissed some allegations of medical negligence, denying the accusations and attributing them to misunderstandings or external situations, such as the intoxication of patients, without making significant improvements to the healthcare system.
Filed under: