Bedbugs and cockroaches roam freely in the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba.
The family of a patient recorded a video that was shared on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
"That's how the bedbugs are in the provincial hospital of Santiago de Cuba, right on the patients' beds," the woman can be heard saying as she lifts the blanket, revealing one of these insects crawling freely on the bed.
"Here, with my German friends," she expressed in another part of the recording, where numerous cockroaches of the 'German' variety could be seen on a table. "They're having a meeting today," she joked.
Mayeta expressed that although this type of situation is not new, it cannot be allowed for hygiene problems in Cuban hospitals to become the norm.
The reporter urged the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba to finally eradicate these issues at their roots.
In May 2023, a pregnant woman who was admitted to give birth at the Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas General Hospital reported the terrible conditions and the mistreatment she suffered in the early hours at the facility.
This place is more of a dump than a hospital; the cockroaches want to take you away, the bathrooms are disgraceful, and the treatment from the laboratory staff is terrible. And why continue, if in the end, no matter where you complain, this will go on and even get worse," lamented Yendis Martínez Aroche, who was only thinking about leaving that facility as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Hospitals of Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba?
The Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital is facing a severe hygiene crisis, with bedbugs and cockroaches freely roaming the patient areas. The unsanitary conditions have been reported by patients' relatives and independent journalists, who are demanding urgent intervention from the authorities.
What other reports of unsanitary conditions have been made in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba?
In addition to the pest issues at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, deplorable conditions have been reported at other hospitals in Santiago de Cuba, such as the "Antonio María Béguez César" Children's Hospital. Reports include dirty bathrooms, lack of maintenance in the facilities, and thefts from patients.
How has hospital unsanitary conditions affected the population of Santiago de Cuba?
The unsanitary conditions in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba not only directly affect patients but also contribute to the spread of diseases. The lack of cleanliness in healthcare facilities increases the risk of contracting infections and prolongs the health crisis in the region.
What actions have been taken to address the hygiene issues in Santiago de Cuba?
Until now, no effective actions have been reported by the authorities to address the hygiene problems in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba. Complaints continue to go unaddressed, and the situation demands urgent intervention to ensure appropriate sanitary conditions.
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