A young Cuban woman in Matanzas shared a video on social media that shows the conditions of the provincial hospital Faustino Pérez, where she went for a general medical check-up. Her testimony, recorded naturally and without dramatics, has made a strong impact on social media due to its description of basic shortcomings in the Cuban healthcare system.
According to what he explained in his video, "we had to bring the syringes because there were none," as he demonstrated the blood extraction procedure using a small needle, which he claimed hurt quite a bit. He also showed how he had to wait in line with a plastic container to provide a urine sample, as well as the hospital environment, which he stated had been recently renovated.
During the recorded and narrated walk on TikTok, the user identified as @anita.cubanita64 details how her friend accompanied her throughout the process, and showcases areas of the hospital such as the outdoor kiosks where food and various products are sold, and the medical school that is adjacent to the health center.
The post is part of a series of videos that this Cuban has shared about her daily life on the island, in which she candidly reveals the everyday challenges, such as shortages of supplies, power outages, and food scarcity.
Reactions on social media: between support, criticism, and nostalgia
The video has garnered thousands of views and over a thousand comments on TikTok, where users have expressed a mix of admiration, outrage, and solidarity. While some highlight the training and dedication of Cuban doctors—considered by many to be "the best in the world"—others point out the contrast between that professional prestige and the precariousness of the system in which they work.
"I met a Cuban doctor who literally saved my life. The best of all," wrote a follower. Another commented, "In Venezuela, Cuban doctors saved me when I had convulsions due to hepatitis." There was also someone who noted, "Cuban doctors are good, but the rest doesn't help... there are no supplies, there are no conditions."
Several people expressed shock and indignation at the young woman's account: "How can it be that there are no syringes in a hospital?" someone asked. Another user lamented, "It seems like they are stuck in time. Everything looks like it's from the 1960s." One critical comment noted, "I know why you are so thin. The illness is called communism."
Other messages reflected on the contradictions of the system: “It’s always said that Cuban doctors are the best, but they don’t have the means to do their job properly,” said one user. Another added: “They have to bring their own syringes. That’s not public health, that’s survival.”
There was also concern about freedom of expression: "I wonder how they can record these things without anything happening to them," expressed an internet user. In an admiring tone, another remarked: "What courage to show this. Thank you for bringing to light what many keep silent."
Some comments recalled positive experiences with Cuban medical personnel in other countries. “My dermatologist was Cuban and he completely cured me,” wrote a user from Latin America. And from Europe, another added: “Here in the Canary Islands, the best doctors I’ve had have been Cuban.”
Comparisons with other countries were also frequent: “That is better than many hospitals in Venezuela,” wrote one person. Another stated, “In Ecuador, we wait in line from dawn and there are no medicines. We're the same.”
It's not the first time
Anita had previously documented another critical situation related to healthcare. Last March, she recounted how she had to take her son to the hospital, where there were neither a scalpel nor scissors to treat a wound on his forehead. On that occasion, she also reported the shortage of food and showed how she prepared meals to share with elderly people in a homeless situation.
A systemic crisis
The case of Anita adds to a series of recent reports about the collapse of the healthcare system in Cuba. Recently, the mother of a child with HIV reported that her son has gone nine months without medical attention due to a lack of specialized transport. In Camagüey, the death of a young man in an extreme state of malnutrition in a provincial hospital reopened the debate on negligence and abandonment in centers for people with disabilities.
Also, Cuban influencer Eileen Morales, from Miami, erupted on social media after her son in Cuba went two months without being seen by a doctor who “was in meetings.” Her testimony reignited the discussion about the lack of medical ethics, the shortage of medications, and the overall decline in healthcare on the island.
Although the regime insists on defending public health as one of the system's "achievements," citizens' testimonies, increasingly frequent and visible on social media, reveal a different reality: hospitals lacking supplies, endless waiting lists, useless equipment, and a growing sense of institutional abandonment.
Frequently asked questions about the health crisis in Cuba and the healthcare system
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a severe crisis, characterized by a shortage of medical supplies, medications, and personnel. Hospitals lack basic equipment such as syringes and aerosol nozzles, severely affecting medical care for patients.
What difficulties do Cuban families face when seeking medical attention?
Cuban families face serious difficulties in seeking medical care, including the need to bring their own supplies such as aerosol nozzles and medications, due to the lack of resources in healthcare facilities. This situation exacerbates the despair and discontent of citizens.
How does the lack of medical resources affect patients in Cuba?
The lack of medical resources in Cuba significantly complicates patient care, resulting in critical situations in emergencies and a lack of adequate treatments for serious illnesses. This has led to numerous testimonies from citizens reporting the collapse of the healthcare system.
What are the Cuban authorities doing in response to this health crisis?
Cuban authorities have acknowledged the issue of shortages of medications and supplies, indicating that the crisis will continue. However, many citizens criticize the management and prioritization of resources as causes of this situation, pointing to a lack of effective measures to resolve it.
How does the health crisis impact Cuban children?
The health crisis in Cuba severely affects children, who suffer from a lack of medical supplies and essential medications, putting their health at risk in critical situations. Testimonials from concerned parents highlight the helplessness in the face of inadequate medical care for their children.
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