Four days after violent incidents at the Saturnino Lora hospital were reported on social media, the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba issued an official statement acknowledging that medical staff was assaulted in the emergency room of that institution by relatives of a patient.
According to the statement released under the title “Violence will never be an alternative,” the events took place last Sunday when a woman arrived at the hospital after experiencing a loss of consciousness.
She was attended to by two specialists and two internal medicine residents, who confirmed that her vital signs were normal and diagnosed her with a conversion hysteria episode, posing no risk to her life.
Although the patient was kept under observation and the family members were informed, according to the official report, they acted in a "state of excessive euphoria caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages" and physically assaulted the medical team.
This version, which coincides with one of those already circulating on social media, partially validates the facts reported by activists and witnesses from the beginning.
However, the statement omits key aspects: among them, the lack of police presence in a critical area such as the emergency room, where emergencies, victims of violence, and patients in altered states are typically attended to.
It is also not mentioned whether the assailants were arrested or sanctioned, nor if any measures are being planned to reinforce the safety of medical personnel.
The official report only states that the assaulted professionals were attended to immediately and that their health condition is favorable.
Although the note attempts to project an image of institutional control, its late and partial publication reveals a reactive response to the social and media pressure that had been demanding explanations for days.
Furthermore, instead of providing explanations and clarifications, it leaves doubts about the events and raises concerns about whether healthcare personnel are truly protected from incidents of this violent nature.
The first version of the incident was provided by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who reported on Facebook that the attack occurred when several seriously injured individuals arrived at the hospital, and due to the perceived delay in care, their relatives "went after the nurses," triggering a scene of chaos.
According to their report, in the early hours of the day, "there were more police officers than doctors," and unusual access controls were set up for family members and visitors.
However, a user identified as Yanet Pérez responded to that post, asserting that the incident was not caused by a medical delay, but rather by a patient experiencing hysteria and relatives in an intoxicated state, who assaulted a doctor that was defended by her husband, who was also attacked by at least seven people.
On her part, a nurse from the hospital confirmed to CiberCuba that the assaulted doctor is part of the clinical on-call staff, clarifying that it was indeed a real act of violence.
Additionally, he indicated that a nurse was also assaulted and that the police presence after the incident was noticeable.
The worker added that at that moment there was no police presence at the center, even though the emergency room regularly receives patients who are intoxicated, injured by knives, or victims of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Violence in Hospitals of Santiago de Cuba
What happened at the Saturnino Lora Hospital in Santiago de Cuba?
At the Saturnino Lora Hospital, medical staff were assaulted by a patient’s relatives. The incident occurred when a woman was admitted to the hospital, and her family members, under the influence of alcohol, attacked the medical staff following a diagnosis of conversion hysteria. The notable absence of police presence in the critical area of the emergency room highlighted security failures.
What was the official response to the aggression at the hospital?
The Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba acknowledged the events through an official note. However, the statement was criticized for its delay and for omitting key details such as the arrest of the assailants and future security measures to protect the medical staff. The response was seen as reactive to social pressure.
What security measures are in place at hospitals in Santiago de Cuba?
The security in Santiago hospitals is insufficient, especially in critical areas such as emergency rooms. Despite the frequent care of patients in altered states, there is no constant police presence, which leaves both doctors and patients vulnerable to incidents of violence. Some restrictions have been implemented, such as limiting the access of companions, but no effective security measures have been reported.
Are there any reports of violence in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, there have been several reports of violence incidents in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba in recent months. Among them, the assault on a nurse at the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Surgical Hospital by relatives of a deceased patient and the attack on a security guard at the Northern Children's Hospital. These events reflect a worrying trend of insecurity in the healthcare sector of the region.
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