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A Cuban woman with psychiatric issues set fire to a house on Monday night in the municipality of Caibarién, in the province of Villa Clara. As a result of the incident, there were no injuries, although there was material damage.
The fire, which occurred on Calle 8 between 19 and 21 in the mentioned Villa Clara territory, left one house completely destroyed and another with partial damage, according to the official Facebook profile Fuerza del Pueblo.
The source specified that the psychiatric patient who caused the incident was transferred to Area 9 for medical attention.
The intervention of the Fire Department, the Red Cross, and the UCM Campaña Las Villas managed to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes.
The incident rekindled the debate over the lack of essential medications to treat mental illnesses in Cuba.
The shortage of these drugs has placed many patients and their families in a situation of extreme vulnerability, as they have been reporting the healthcare crisis they are facing.
In another very serious incident last week, a 14-year-old diagnosed with schizophrenia threw his 11-month-old niece from a fourth floor in Jatibonico, in the province of Sancti Spíritus. Fortunately, the child survived the incident.
The situation is so desperate for some families that there are even those who have chosen to build makeshift cells within their homes to avoid violent episodes.
Another consequence of the lack of medications is that the disappearance of individuals with psychiatric illnesses has increased in Cuba, as without their medication, the chances of becoming disoriented and getting lost rise.
"You call the police about an aggressive lunatic, and they tell you it's not their problem, it's a health issue; and health tells you it's the police's responsibility. In the end, they laugh at the person who calls about some aggression," a user reported on social media following the fire that occurred this Monday.
"We don't have to push you to seek out problems, because in Cuba, problems will find you," lamented another commentator.
Frequently asked questions about the mental health crisis in Cuba
What is the reason behind the fire in Caibarién?
The fire in Caibarién was caused by a psychiatric patient with mental health issues who set a house on fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but significant material damage was reported.
What does this incident reflect about the state of mental health services in Cuba?
The incident highlights the severe shortage of medications for treating mental illnesses in Cuba, putting patients and their families at risk. The lack of essential medications has led to extreme situations and violent episodes, such as the fire in Caibarién.
How is the lack of medication affecting psychiatric patients in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is increasing the disappearances of individuals with psychiatric illnesses due to episodes of disorientation and loss. Violent incidents have also risen, reflecting a critical situation in the care of these patients.
What measures are being taken in response to the mental health crisis in Cuba?
Until now, no effective measures have been implemented by the Cuban government to address the mental health crisis. Families are often forced to turn to makeshift solutions and seek help through social media, due to the lack of an official support channel and the inefficiency of the authorities.
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