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The Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba has implemented a series of restrictive measures for patients and their companions, among which stands out the explicit prohibition of taking photographs inside the medical facility, as well as the warning of “no disruption of public order.”
The information was shared this Monday by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada through his profile on Facebook, where he showcased the poster placed on a wall of the hospital, in which health authorities outline the new care and coexistence protocol.
Among the provisions, it is stated that only one companion will be allowed per patient, and those who cause disturbances may face consequences, though the specifics are not mentioned.
Regarding medical attention, the notice states that urgent patients will be attended to in the polytrauma area or on stretchers, and admitted to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit or observation rooms within 30 minutes or less.
On the other hand, non-urgent cases will have to wait up to two hours, and their attention will be temporarily suspended if new emergencies arise.
The notice also acknowledges that there are few beds available for hospital admissions due to “ongoing repairs,” although authorities state that the “comfort of patients” will be ensured.
The recent ban on taking photographs at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba may be related to the ongoing complaints about the conditions of hospitals on the island, which have generated increasing public pressure and citizen discontent.
This very medical center was the scene of a serious accusation earlier this year when a woman recorded the presence of bedbugs and cockroaches on patients' beds and tables. The recording was released by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who called for urgent action from provincial health authorities.
In another case that calls into question the transparency of the health system, a video published on social media exposed the deplorable condition of the Military Hospital in Marianao, Havana.
The images showed abandoned operating rooms, unsanitary bathrooms, and alarming deterioration in critical areas of the hospital. The whistleblower described the situation as “disgusting,” reflecting the widespread frustration felt by the families of hospitalized patients.
The most heartbreaking reports came from the Teaching Hospital Mártires de Mayarí, in Holguín, where shocking images of malnourished elderly, tied to their beds and lacking basic hygiene conditions were documented. The videos sent to CiberCuba depicted a scene of total abandonment, where patients complained about the lack of sheets and medical assistance, amidst evident physical and emotional deterioration.
In the eastern part of the country, the mother of a patient admitted to the psychiatric hospital in Guantánamo reported the lack of medical equipment for essential therapies and the mistreatment of patients.
The lack of resources has created an environment of violence and instability within the center, leading to serious consequences for the mental and physical health of the patients, whose vulnerability is heightened by institutional neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Restrictions and Conditions at the Provincial Hospital of Santiago de Cuba
Why is taking photos prohibited in the Provincial Hospital of Santiago de Cuba?
The Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital has implemented a policy that explicitly prohibits taking photographs within the healthcare facility. This measure aims to control the dissemination of images that may expose the deterioration of sanitary conditions and the lack of resources in the hospital, as well as to maintain public order within its premises.
What are the new restrictions for patients and companions in the hospital?
The hospital has established that only one companion per patient will be allowed and warns against "any disruption of public order." These measures aim to reduce congestion in the facilities and maintain a controlled environment, given the limited space and available resources.
How does the lack of resources affect the operation of the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital?
The lack of resources at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital seriously affects its ability to provide adequate medical care. The few available beds, the delays in treating non-urgent patients, and the infrastructure issues are manifestations of the health crisis facing the Cuban healthcare system, exacerbated by ongoing repairs and the overall deterioration of the facilities.
What has prompted the complaints about hygiene conditions in the hospital?
Complaints about the hygienic conditions at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital are driven by the presence of bedbugs and cockroaches in patient areas, highlighting serious hygiene issues that have not been adequately addressed by the health authorities. These problems reflect a deterioration that should not be normalized in healthcare facilities.
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