Tied up, naked, and without sheets to cover the mattresses where they sleep, several patients at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital in the Cuban province of Holguín find themselves.
Videos and images sent to our newsroom show several malnourished elderly individuals in extremely precarious conditions: some are naked, while others are tied by the wrists to the bed rails, scratching themselves seemingly due to several days without bathing.
Patients live in extremely precarious conditions: some are naked, others are tied by the wrists to the bed rails, and several are scratching themselves, apparently due to several days without bathing.
One of them, tied to the stretcher's rails, complains that he doesn't have a sheet to lie down on.
Another person wonders what has been done with the hospital's resources, complaining that the doctor comes to see them once a day while claiming that his whole body itches: "There’s nothing here, not even to bathe," he says.
The images also reveal a younger man who is completely naked lying on the vinyl cover of a mattress.
The images reflect the total abandonment of patients in what should be a medical care center.
In recent months, testimonies like the one in this video have highlighted the serious deficiencies in the Cuban healthcare system, particularly concerning the treatment of the most vulnerable patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Healthcare System Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a severe crisis characterized by a lack of resources, insufficient personnel, and unsustainable working conditions. Hospitals lack basic supplies, medications, and adequate hygiene conditions, severely affecting medical care, especially for the most vulnerable patients.
What complaints have been made about the treatment of patients in Cuban hospitals?
Multiple cases of abandonment and dire conditions in Cuban hospitals have been reported. Patients, especially the elderly, have been seen malnourished, naked, and without adequate medical care. Furthermore, the facilities are in deplorable condition, lacking hygiene and basic resources such as sheets and medications.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the situation of the elderly?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated the vulnerability of the elderly, leaving them without access to adequate medical care and in conditions of destitution. Many elderly people live in extreme poverty, without family members who can care for them due to migration, and face a lack of resources and medicines.
What actions has the Cuban government taken in response to the healthcare system crisis?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its inaction in the face of the healthcare system crisis. Although plans for improvement have been announced, the actions have been insufficient and have not resolved the lack of resources, personnel, and adequate conditions in hospitals. Priority has been given to other sectors, such as tourism, to the detriment of public health.
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