Health authorities in the province of Villa Clara spoke out this Friday following the dissemination on social media of a video in which a worker physically assaults a patient at the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital "Dr. Luis San Juan Pérez" in Santa Clara.
The recording, initially shared by the internet user Rubén Carrillo through his account on X (formerly Twitter), shows a moment of violence perpetrated by a supposed hospital attendant against a patient, who appears to be in crisis.
Although the video contains no audio, the images sparked outrage and condemnation on social media and among the public.
In response, the General Directorate of Health of Villa Clara issued an informative note through the broadcaster CMHW "The Radio Queen of the Center", confirming that an official investigation into the case is already underway.
It is noted that an interdisciplinary committee was established to clarify the events. The authorities indicated that the room where the alleged aggression occurred was painted green more than 15 days ago, which suggests that the video is not recent.
The statement expresses regret that the person who recorded the scene did not intervene or report the incident immediately, which could have allowed for a timely response.
"We strongly repudiate this situation, which goes against our principles," the text states.
This new case of mistreatment in Cuban psychiatric institutions adds to recent allegations from family members and activists regarding the lack of medical equipment, negligence, and precarious conditions in similar centers across the country.
In January, a mother publicly denounced the collapse of services at the Psychiatric Hospital of Guantánamo, while another video from the same facility showed an apparently orderly environment, which many users deemed a "staged scene."
The episode also revives the memory of past tragedies, such as that of the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana (Mazorra), where in 2010 at least 26 patients died from hypothermia and malnutrition.
Similarly, a video sent to CiberCuba last February showed patients tied up, naked and without sheets at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital in the Cuban province of Holguín.
Despite the promises of reforms, many families and human rights advocates report that the structural conditions in the mental health system in Cuba remain critical.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in Psychiatric Hospitals in Cuba
What happened at the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital "Dr. Luis San Juan Pérez" in Santa Clara?
A video showed a worker physically assaulting a patient at the mentioned hospital. This act generated outrage on social media and prompted an official response from the health authorities of Villa Clara, who reported that an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
What was the reaction of the health authorities in Villa Clara to the incident?
The authorities issued a news release confirming the investigation of the case. They created an interdisciplinary committee to clarify the incident and expressed regret that the person who filmed the video did not intervene or report the incident immediately.
What structural problems does the mental health system in Cuba face?
The mental health system in Cuba faces serious deficiencies, including a lack of medical equipment, negligence, and poor conditions in psychiatric hospitals. Recurring complaints indicate a structural crisis that deeply impacts the care provided to the most vulnerable patients, as evidenced by multiple cases reported in various provinces.
What prior instances of negligence exist in psychiatric hospitals in Cuba?
There are numerous records of negligence, such as the case of the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana (Mazorra) in 2010, where at least 26 patients died from hypothermia and malnutrition. Current reports indicate a continuing pattern of neglect and abuse in psychiatric hospitals, similar to what occurred in Guantánamo and Holguín.
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