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In an effort by the government of Santiago de Cuba to meet the needs of the health sector, severely impacted by poor working conditions and the deep economic crisis, a market exclusively for the workers and companions of the Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Hospital was inaugurated.
Dr. Yudixa Sarmiento Rodicio, General Secretary of the Health Workers Union in Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook about the opening of the market, emphasizing that this initiative had the support of local government authorities.
"Day by day, we work to provide attention to the workers of that institution. Excellent initiative. Together we create for Cuba," affirmed the official.
Despite the supposed governmental effort, the shared images show a very limited supply of products, including cabbage, red beans, peppers, and tomatoes, which stands in stark contrast to the declared intention of "providing care to the workers of that institution."
On the other hand, the price of these foods is not specified, nor is it clarified whether they will be adjusted to genuinely provide support to the healthcare sector, or if, on the contrary, they will be similar to the high prices of the informal market.
All of this is clearly insufficient as support for the workers of one of the largest hospitals in Santiago de Cuba, as evidenced by the images, which show barely a few products.
The situation for doctors in Cuba has worsened in recent years, with increasingly precarious working conditions and salaries that barely cover even basic needs.
According to an analysis of purchasing power for doctors on the island, a newly graduated doctor earns 4,610 CUP per month, while those with over 20 years of experience can earn up to 7,500 CUP. However, with uncontrolled inflation and an exchange rate that places the dollar over 400 CUP, their salary amounts to less than 20 USD per month.
The difficulties are not limited to the financial realm. A Cuban doctor reflected on the harsh reality of their colleagues on the island, noting that many feel trapped in a profession that no longer offers them stability or recognition. The physical and emotional toll, combined with the lack of supplies in hospitals, has led to a growing exodus of healthcare professionals.
The hospital crisis further exacerbates the situation. Clinics without syringes, essential medications in short supply, and exhausting on-call shifts force doctors to work under undignified conditions. Many have left the profession, either to emigrate or to pursue more lucrative activities in the informal economy.
In light of this situation, disillusionment has led more doctors to make drastic decisions. A recent testimony revealed the case of a professional who abandoned his career due to the inability to support his family with his salary. The despair among physicians has become a structural problem that threatens the stability of the healthcare system in Cuba.
In contrast, doctors who manage to leave the country find better opportunities, as illustrated by the case of a Cuban doctor abroad, who revealed that with her first salary she was able to buy what would take several years of work on the island. This reality highlights the precariousness of the sector in Cuba and the urgent need for a profound change in salary and labor policies.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of doctors in Santiago de Cuba and the economic crisis
What is the exclusive market inaugurated in Santiago de Cuba?
The exclusive market was inaugurated for the workers of the Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. However, the product selection is very limited, which contrasts with the intent to provide real support to healthcare workers.
Why do doctors in Cuba consider their salaries insufficient?
The salaries of doctors in Cuba are insufficient due to inflation and the high cost of living. A newly graduated doctor earns around 4,610 CUP per month, which amounts to less than 20 USD monthly, inadequate to cover basic needs.
How does the economic crisis affect healthcare workers in Cuba?
The economic crisis is impacting healthcare workers with salaries that do not meet basic needs, a shortage of medical supplies, and precarious working conditions.This has led to a growing exodus of healthcare professionals, seeking better opportunities abroad.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to support doctors?
The Cuban government has made efforts to provide support, such as the inauguration of exclusive markets, but these measures have been insufficient due to the limited availability of products and the lack of effective solutions to improve working conditions and salaries.
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