Santa Clara experienced a day of collective reflection and deep respect on Wednesday as it paid tribute to Dr. Armando Caballero López, one of the pillars of medicine in Cuba and a reference point in intensive care in the country.
In times when public health faces shortages and abandonments, your professional and human legacy transcends the operating room and the hospital ward, becoming a symbol of dedication, vocation, and love for others.
His death, which occurred last Sunday, left an irreparable void among colleagues, students, and patients, but also an indelible mark on the medical history of Villa Clara.
From the early hours of the day, colleagues from the health sector, students, patients, and the general public gathered at the Chess Palace in Santa Clara, where the farewell ceremony took place, featuring an honor guard, the signing of the condolence book, and a tribute that became a massive expression of gratitude.
The University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara, to which Dr. Caballero dedicated years of teaching and mentorship, published an emotional message on Facebook.
"Today, with deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Dr. Caballero, not as one says goodbye to a loved one, but as one eternally grateful for the privilege of having shared in his light. (...) All of Villa Clara bows today before the master who taught us that true heroes don’t wear capes, but rather worn white coats from all the love they have given," emphasized the message.
On its part, the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical Surgical Hospital, where he worked as an intensivist and surgeon for decades, announced on Facebook that both professionals from the sector and the general public came to sign the condolence book and pay tribute to the man who transformed medical practice into a pure vocation of service.
During the funeral, Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Villa Clara, expressed: “Today we say not goodbye, but see you later! to the unforgettable teacher for so many students, one who cannot be surpassed even by the most skilled of his disciples, because there are men who are simply irreplaceable,” reported Telecubanacán on their Facebook profile.
The funeral honors were accompanied by floral tributes sent by the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; the Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda; the National Assembly of People's Power, the people of Villa Clara, and other institutions, reported the journalist Oscar Salabarría.
The "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santa Clara reported on Facebook last Sunday the passing of the renowned intensivist: “Dr. C. Armando Caballero López has passed away in Havana during a late stage where his health was severely affected. And although he was unable to win his final battle, he will leave an immense legacy, as he demonstrated until his last day.”
Since that moment, social media was flooded with condolence messages directed to the family of the esteemed physician.
Frequently Asked Questions about the legacy of Dr. Armando Caballero López and the health situation in Cuba
Who was Dr. Armando Caballero López?
Dr. Armando Caballero López was a prestigious Cuban intensivist and surgeon known for his dedication at the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santa Clara. His legacy extends beyond medical practice, also serving as an ethical and academic reference for new generations of doctors in Cuba.
How was Dr. Caballero honored in Santa Clara?
Dr. Caballero was honored with a massive tribute at the Chess Palace in Santa Clara, where colleagues, students, patients, and citizens signed a condolence book and participated in a honor guard in recognition of his invaluable contribution to medicine and his community.
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a severe crisis characterized by a shortage of medications, basic supplies, and medical personnel. This situation has worsened due to poor internal management and the massive exodus of health professionals, impacting medical care on the island.
What legacy did Dr. Caballero leave in Cuban medicine?
Dr. Caballero left a significant legacy in Cuban medicine, not only for his professional excellence but also for his human commitment and ability to inspire his colleagues and students. His focus on intensive care and dedication to teaching set a standard to follow.
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