The General Directorate of Health in Villa Clara reported this Tuesday on the outcome of the investigation conducted following the dissemination on social media on April 10 of a video showing a worker at the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital "Dr. Luis San Juan Pérez" repeatedly hitting a patient.
In a post published on Facebook this Monday, Juan José Pulido López, director of Health in Villa Clara, confirmed that the "unfortunate aggression" happened approximately 35 days ago.
The source indicated that the case was investigated by an interdisciplinary commission that identified a worker with the initials H. B. C. as responsible, who had been hired on July 1, 2024, as an emergency services assistant.
When interviewed, he acknowledged his involvement in this reprehensible act, which is contrary to the ethical and humanitarian values that underpin our healthcare system.
The note adds that, following the investigation, the worker has been permanently removed from the workplace and the case has been referred to the judicial authorities for possible criminal prosecution.
"We express our deepest solidarity with the victim and their family, profoundly lamenting the suffering caused," the statement clarified.
The Health Directorate also condemned the behavior of the person who recorded the video.
"We strongly condemn the inhumane attitude of the person who recorded the video, who not only witnessed the aggression without attempting to stop it, but also chose to share it on social media instead of reporting it immediately, demonstrating an alarming lack of compassion and responsibility," the post added.
"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the dignity of patients and will work tirelessly to prevent such painful events from happening again, ensuring medical care that is infused with respect, care, and humanity," the official statement concluded.
Previously, the health authorities of the province of Villa Clara had issued an informative note in which it was announced that an official investigation was underway regarding the case.
The recording, initially shared by internet user Rubén Carrillo through his account on X, shows a brutal beating received by a patient.
Although the released video has no audio, the images sparked outrage and condemnation on social media and among the public.
This new case of mistreatment in Cuban psychiatric institutions adds to recent reports from family members and activists regarding the lack of medical equipment, negligence, and poor conditions in similar centers across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident at the Villa Clara Psychiatric Hospital
What happened at the Villa Clara Psychiatric Hospital?
A worker from the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital "Dr. Luis San Juan Pérez" in Villa Clara was caught on video hitting a patient. The incident, which took place about 35 days ago, was investigated, and the individual responsible, identified as H. B. C., has been removed from the facility and their case referred to judicial authorities.
What measures have been taken following the assault at the psychiatric hospital?
The worker responsible for the assault has been permanently removed from the hospital. Additionally, the Health Directorate has referred the case to the judicial authorities for potential criminal prosecution and has expressed its solidarity with the victim and their family.
How has public opinion reacted to the video of the assault?
The video has sparked outrage and condemnation on social media and among the public. The dissemination of the material, although it has no audio, has reignited the debate about abuses in psychiatric institutions in Cuba and has highlighted the lack of effective mechanisms for supervision and protection of human rights.
What other complaints exist about the mental health system in Cuba?
There are multiple reports of mistreatment, negligence, and inadequate conditions in Cuban psychiatric hospitals. Activists and family members of patients have pointed out the lack of medical equipment, the shortage of essential medications, and a climate of systematic violence in these institutions, reflecting a structural crisis in the country's mental health system.
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