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The delivery room of the Mayarí hospital was reopened this Friday after being closed for a year for repairs; during that time, pregnant women were transferred to hospitals in the city of Holguín to give birth.
According to information shared on the official spokesperson Emilio Rodríguez Pupo's Facebook profile, the venue received a state investment of over five million pesos.
On her part, Yequelín Gómez Santiago, head of the delivery room at the Hospital Docente Mártires de Mayarí, said to a local broadcaster that with the reopening, care for pregnant patients is improving "considerably" as most had to be transferred to hospitals in the city of Holguín to give birth "safely."
Although health authorities praise this fact in the press and official networks, the main hospital center in Mayarí has been the subject of constant complaints due to the deplorable sanitary conditions of its facilities and the situation in which the patients admitted there remain.
In February, dramatic images emerged of patients tied up, naked, and without sheets to cover the mattresses where they sleep in that facility.
Videos and images sent to our newsroom showed several malnourished elderly individuals in extremely precarious conditions: some naked, others tied by their wrists to the bed railings and scratching themselves, apparently due to several days without bathing.
The images reflect the complete 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 regarding the treatment of the most vulnerable patients.
The healthcare system is facing a severe crisis characterized by a lack of resources, insufficient personnel, and unsustainable working conditions. Hospitals are lacking basic supplies, medications, and adequate hygiene conditions, which severely impacts medical care, especially for the most vulnerable patients.
However, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) continues to advocate for healthcare in Cuba, emphasizing that, despite the "economic difficulties exacerbated by the economic blockade", "care for vulnerable patients remains one of the government's top priorities".
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reopening of the Maternity Ward at the Hospital of Mayarí and the Health Situation in Cuba
Why was the maternity ward of the Mayarí hospital closed for a year?
The delivery room at the Mayarí hospital was closed for a year due to repairs. During this time, pregnant women were transferred to other hospitals in Holguín for care. The reopening was achieved after a state investment of over five million pesos.
How does the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system affect the most vulnerable patients?
The crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, characterized by a lack of resources, insufficient personnel, and inadequate hygienic conditions, seriously affects the most vulnerable patients. Recent images have shown patients in deplorable conditions at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital, with malnourished elderly individuals tied to their beds, reflecting a total neglect in medical care.
What has MINSAP said about the conditions in Cuban hospitals?
The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) has defended the Cuban healthcare system, emphasizing that, despite economic difficulties, caring for vulnerable patients remains one of the government's top priorities. However, they have not directly addressed the specific complaints regarding lack of hygiene and the precariousness of care.
What are the main complaints regarding the healthcare system in Mayarí?
The main complaints about the healthcare system in Mayarí include lack of hygiene, mistreatment of patients, and malnutrition. Shocking images have shown elderly individuals tied up and without sheets at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital. These conditions reflect a system in crisis, where medical care is inadequate and resources are scarce.
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