A video shared on social media shows a violent attack against a patient at the psychiatric hospital in Santa Clara, central Cuba.
The clip was published by the internet user Rubén Carrillo through his account on X (formerly Twitter), where he raised awareness about the frequency of such abuses in that institution.
“This happens very frequently in the Santa Clara psychiatric hospital. The assistant strikes him while repeatedly telling him to calm down. Mute the audio to conceal my source's voice,” Carrillo wrote when sharing the audiovisual material.
The images show how a hospital worker physically attacks a patient, who appears to be in a moment of crisis. Although the video has no audio, the scene has generated strong reactions and outrage among social media users.
Moreover, it is also concerning how this act is carried out in front of other patients in the room, who seem to be living in precarious conditions within the healthcare institution.
The video has reignited concerns about the situation of patients in Cuban psychiatric institutions, as well as the lack of effective mechanisms for monitoring and protecting human rights within these centers.
This fact adds to a series of complaints that have come to light in recent months regarding the critical condition of other psychiatric institutions in Cuba.
In January, the mother of a patient admitted to the "Luis Ramírez López" Psychiatric Hospital in Guantánamo reported the lack of essential medical equipment, such as the device for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which had been out of service for months.
According to the complainant, this lack has worsened the emotional and behavioral situation of the patients, creating a violent environment where the inmates attack each other, and the staff responds with equally aggressive attitudes.
The mother shared images of the injuries suffered by several patients and stated that she has requested help from the Minister of Public Health multiple times, to no avail.
Shortly after the complaint, a video recorded from inside the same Guantanamo hospital was shared on TikTok by the user Cuba actual, showing orderly facilities, made beds, and a green area where patients were walking. However, many internet users questioned the authenticity of the environment depicted.
“It would be for a government visit; no Cuban who knows how current hospitals are in Cuba believes that.”, wrote a user.
"That's fine, if you see the one from Santiago de Cuba, you'll faint from the poor hygiene," another young woman pointed out, highlighting the widespread skepticism regarding the apparent "staging" of adequate conditions.
The Guantánamo Health Department responded days later, stating that patients at the center receive quality medical care provided by multidisciplinary teams with "high scientific rigor."
However, the statement did not deny or address the accusations of mistreatment, nor did it explain why the electroconvulsive therapy team is still not functioning.
Current complaints add to a history marked by serious negligence in mental health institutions in Cuba. The most remembered case remains that of the Havana Psychiatric Hospital, known as Mazorra, where in 2010 at least 26 patients died from hypothermia, malnutrition, and neglect. Although several staff members were prosecuted, the promised structural reforms never fully materialized.
Since then, independent organizations, activists, and family members of patients have continued to report systematic deficiencies, physical abuse, lack of hygiene, and inhumane conditions that deeply affect the mental and physical health of those hospitalized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in Psychiatric Hospitals in Cuba
What does the video from the psychiatric hospital in Santa Clara show?
The video shows a violent attack by an attendant against a patient in the psychiatric hospital of Santa Clara, Cuba. The scene has generated shock and condemnation on social media, highlighting the lack of oversight mechanisms and protection of human rights within these institutions.
Is violence common in psychiatric hospitals in Cuba?
Reports of mistreatment and violence in Cuban psychiatric hospitals are common. Users and their families have reported similar situations in other institutions, such as the case of the "Luis Ramírez López" Psychiatric Hospital in Guantánamo, where abuses and a lack of essential resources have also been documented.
Why is there concern about the situation in Cuban psychiatric hospitals?
Concerns arise from the constant reports of abuse, lack of medical resources, and precarious conditions in psychiatric hospitals. The shortage of medications and equipment for essential therapies exacerbates the situation for patients, increasing their vulnerability and risk of experiencing aggression or violent situations.
What actions have the Cuban authorities taken in response to these allegations?
So far, Cuban authorities have issued statements claiming that quality medical care is provided in psychiatric hospitals, but they have not directly addressed the allegations of mistreatment nor have they offered concrete solutions to the reported resource shortages.
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