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A video filmed from inside the "Luis Ramírez López" Psychiatric Hospital in Guantánamo was released on TikTok on the account of the user Cuba actual.
The recording shows a spacious room filled with numerous made beds, surrounded by a porch with chairs that overlooks a large green area where the patients stroll.
The place, although it has a few broken chairs and limited resources, appears generally clean and orderly, which is not common in facilities of its kind in the country.
"It would be for a government visit; no Cuban who knows what hospitals are like in Cuba would believe that," commented an internet user.
"Right, we all know that if you go to a hospital, you arrive and there aren't even sheets on the beds," pointed out another.
"That's fine, if you see the one from Santiago de Cuba, you'll faint from the poor hygiene," a young woman stated.
A little over a month ago, the mother of a patient admitted to this hospital reported the lack of medical equipment and the mistreatment that the patients were suffering at the hands of their caregivers.
According to the complainant, the Electroshock (TAC) equipment used in electroconvulsive therapy for patients with seizures had been broken for months, and such a long time without receiving the appropriate treatment had affected the attitudes of both the patients and the healthcare workers.
"His behavior is aggressive; [the patients] attack each other, and the response from the staff responsible for their care is equally aggressive," the woman detailed, sharing photos of the injuries suffered by the patients due to the blows.
The author of the letter explained that several times help was requested from the Minister of Health, because both the hospitalized individuals and their families suffer, seeing them so vulnerable and without treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
"Her response has been negative, citing a lack of resources for the repair of the equipment. 'Please, they are human beings who, although they are sick, feel pain,' she emphasized then."
Days after the publication of that complaint, the Provincial Health Directorate assured that patients at the psychiatric hospital receive medical care from multidisciplinary teams that enhance their safety.
Without denying the lack of equipment or mentioning the mistreatment of staff towards the inmates, the note from the government asserted that "teachers with extensive experience," nurses, and residents work at the center, providing "medical care of high scientific rigor" on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conditions of the Guantánamo Psychiatric Hospital
What is the current situation of the Psychiatric Hospital of Guantánamo?
The "Luis Ramírez López" Psychiatric Hospital in Guantánamo is facing a significant crisis due to the lack of essential medical equipment and reports of mistreatment towards patients. Although a recent video showcases relatively clean facilities, the overall conditions of the hospital remain precarious.
What complaints have been made regarding the treatment of patients in the hospital?
Multiple complaints have emerged regarding the mistreatment of patients by healthcare personnel, as well as the lack of equipment for essential treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy. These deficiencies have been reported by both patients' families and activists on social media.
What has the government responded regarding the allegations about the hospital?
The provincial Health Department has assured that patients receive medical attention from multidisciplinary teams and that the hospital has experienced personnel. However, they have not directly addressed the lack of equipment or the allegations of mistreatment.
How does the lack of medical equipment affect patients in psychiatric facilities?
The lack of equipment, such as the broken electroshock device, has prevented patients from receiving appropriate treatment, worsening their health conditions and affecting the behavior of both patients and healthcare staff, increasing aggression and conflicts within the hospital.
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