Doctors at the provincial hospital of Camagüey used buttons as a solution to the shortage of medical supplies for a patient with a colostomy, according to a complaint that went viral on social media.
A striking image posted by independent journalist José Raúl Gallego on Facebook shows a patient who underwent surgery at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital, where, due to the lack of adequate medical supplies, the doctors resorted to stitching his wound with buttons.
The patient, who had undergone a colostomy, experienced a partial protrusion of his intestine. The doctors' makeshift solution was to secure it with buttons, due to a shortage of appropriate sutures, the post explained.
The intervention was performed using local anesthesia, as the hospital did not have general anesthesia available at that time. According to close sources, the patient's condition has worsened and the buttons are sinking into his skin.
The news has reignited the debate on the crisis of the healthcare system in Cuba, where the lack of resources in public hospitals contrasts with the availability of high-quality medical services in institutions designated for the political elite and foreigners, such as CIMEQ and Cira García.
On social media, users have reported that while the population suffers from a lack of basic medical supplies, the Cuban government is investing in patrols, hotels, and repressive equipment.
"The situation is unbearable. They are killing us and no one is reacting. Meanwhile, the leaders and their families receive the best medical care possible," wrote a user on Facebook.
Another comment on social media questioned the role of doctors in this crisis: “Doing something like this and not blaming the government for the lack of resources is being complicit. Doctors take a Hippocratic oath, and that does not include covering for the regime.”
This case adds to other recent complaints regarding the precariousness of the Cuban healthcare system, as evidenced by the case of Damir Ortiz, a child who had to be urgently transferred to a hospital in Miami after a misdiagnosis in Cuba.
The Ministry of Public Health defends itself against criticism by blaming the families of the victims. Following the case of Damir, the regime set up a television segment in which it blamed the child's mother for interfering with the child's treatment.
Frequently asked questions about the health crisis in Cuba and the case of the patient treated with buttons
Why did doctors in Cuba use buttons instead of proper medical supplies?
The doctors at the provincial hospital of Camagüey resorted to using buttons to treat a patient with a colostomy due to the lack of proper medical supplies on the island. This situation reflects the deep crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, where doctors are forced to improvise in the face of shortages of basic materials.
How does the lack of medical resources affect patients in Cuba?
The lack of medical resources in Cuba has led to patients suffering serious consequences, such as in the case of using buttons instead of proper sutures. Furthermore, in other instances, the shortage of medications and basic equipment has resulted in misdiagnoses and inadequate treatments, putting patients' lives at risk.
What is the situation of the Cuban healthcare system according to recent testimonies and reports?
The Cuban healthcare system is in crisis, with an alarming lack of medical supplies, specialized personnel, and adequate care conditions. Testimonials from doctors and patients reflect a widespread deterioration, where improvisation has become common and the lack of basic resources is a constant in hospitals.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the current health crisis?
The Cuban government has faced widespread criticism for its lack of effective response to the health crisis. Instead of addressing the shortcomings, the authorities have attempted to justify the situation and have blamed the relatives of patients for interfering with treatments. Investment in non-priority sectors, such as tourism and repression, has sparked outrage among the population.
How has Cuban society responded to the situation of the healthcare system?
Cuban society has expressed its frustration and indignation through protests and reports on social media. Solidarity campaigns, such as fundraising for treatments abroad, highlight the desperation of citizens to find solutions in the face of the collapse of the healthcare system on the island.
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