Hospitalized patients in serious condition had to be transferred to hospitals in other municipalities during the massive blackout that occurred on Friday night in Cuba, in order to keep them alive.
A note from the local official media Girón reported that patients from the Julio Aristegui Villamil Hospital in Cárdenas, which had no generators, were transferred during the night to the Comandante Faustino Pérez Hospital and the Provincial Pediatric Hospital in the city of Matanzas.
Two ventilated patients, three pregnant women, and six children with respiratory issues had to be transferred to other hospitals to ensure they receive the necessary care in these facilities, which have electrical generation in some of their areas.
The director of the Faustino Pérez Hospital, Taymí Martínez Naranjo, mentioned to TV Yumurí that after the disconnection of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), they had approximately 66 hours of power generation, thanks to the generators.
In her speech, she specified that eight patients were received, although the official press clarified that it was six. One of the pregnant women who arrived at that center underwent surgery during the night.
Of the ventilated patients, it was revealed that one is hospitalized in intensive care and another in intermediate care, both in critical condition.
"Since the energy contingency occurred, some of the hospitals have continued to operate with backup equipment and have the necessary fuel to ensure assistance to the population. Other parts of these healthcare facilities receive energy from microsystems that remain active in the province," stated Girón.
The massive blackout that occurred on Friday night put the lives of severely ill patients in Matanzas at risk.
In total, in this situation, the province has registered 70 adults, 16 children, and 12 newborns.
Additionally, 77 patients are receiving supplemental oxygen and 40 are using oxygen concentrators.
Although the press praised their efforts to "maintain vitality" in the province's hospitals and noted that the created electrical microsystems prioritize these health institutions, some were without generation at the time of disconnection from the national power grid.
The Julio Aristegui Villamil Hospital in Cárdenas received two generators in the early morning hours, just hours after the incident occurred.
In Cienfuegos, a medical team that was performing surgery on Friday night was caught off guard by a general blackout, and despite lacking power, they decided to continue with the operation, which concluded successfully.
The feat, which reflects the commitment and professionalism of the doctors, took place at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial Teaching Hospital in Cienfuegos, where there were also no generators.
In the midst of a surgical intervention, the specialists had to improvise and rely on their ingenuity and determination; thus, using flashlights and cell phones, they continued operating with the operating room in darkness.
The Cuban regime admitted on Saturday afternoon that the creation of electrical microsystems to generate electricity has been complex following the massive blackout on Friday.
About 18 hours after the general disconnection of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), the start-up of unit number 6 of the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant has been initiated, as well as another unit of the Renté thermoelectric plant, utilizing microsystems formed in the region of Camagüey and in Santiago de Cuba.
The Energás plants also gradually began generating power to supply the SEN. In Havana, only 1.5% of customers have electricity service.
Not hospitals, but hotels are fine
While hospitals and neighborhoods in Cuba remained without electricity, several hotels and tourist areas continued to be illuminated.
A report published by the independent outlet CubaNet highlighted how, despite the power outages faced by the island's residents, tourist facilities continued to have electricity.
In one of the published videos, the Iberostar Selection La Habana hotel, popularly known as the controversial Torre K, can be seen fully lit up, having recently opened its doors.
The Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) assured that the Cuban tourism system had a solid energy backup that ensures the continuous operation of hotels, non-hotel facilities, and associated services.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massive Blackout in Cuba and its Impact on Hospitals
What happened to the critically ill patients during the massive blackout in Cuba?
Severe patients were transferred to other hospitals that had emergency power generation. This included ventilated patients, pregnant women, and children with respiratory issues, who were taken to hospitals in the city of Matanzas to ensure their appropriate medical care.
How did the blackout affect medical operations in Cuba?
During the blackout, a medical team in Cienfuegos continued a surgery despite being without electricity, using flashlights and mobile phones to illuminate the operating room. This act reflects both the dedication of the doctors and the precariousness of the Cuban healthcare system, which lacks adequate generators in all its hospitals.
Why did some hotels in Cuba maintain electricity during the blackout?
The hotels and tourist areas in Cuba have a solid energy backup that allows them to operate continuously, unlike many residential areas and hospitals. This situation has generated criticism and discontent among citizens, who see how resources are prioritized for tourism while they suffer the consequences of the energy crisis.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the massive blackout?
The Cuban government has sought to address the blackout by creating microelectric systems to supply power to specific areas. However, these efforts have been insufficient to fully restore the national electrical system, leaving a large part of the population without access to electricity for extended periods.
Filed under: