Gastroenterology and colonoscopy services restored at Colón hospital after more than 15 years of being halted

The gastroenterology and colonoscopy services at the Colón Hospital have reopened after 15 years, providing relief to patients who previously had to travel 90 km for care. However, hygiene issues at the facility still persist.

Doctors from the Colón hospital in MatanzasPhoto © Facebook / Tamara Carvajal

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The services of gastroenterology and colonoscopy at the "Mario Muñoz Monroy" Hospital, in the town of Colón, Matanzas, were restored recently after being inactive for more than 15 years.

Tamara Carvajal, President of the Municipal Assembly of the People's Power of Colón, celebrated the news on social media, without providing the reasons why the service was suspended for such a long time.

"Congratulations to this group of professionals who have dedicated themselves to revitalizing such necessary health services for the community that had not been provided at this institution for over 15 years," said the official with a triumphant tone.

Colonoscopy is a fundamental medical exam to prevent and detect colon cancer early, a condition that affects thousands of Cubans each year.

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The test is used to visualize the interior of the colon and rectum, and is performed with an instrument called a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a camera at the end, which allows the doctor to examine these areas for polyps, inflammation, ulcers, or cancer.

Hundreds of internet users celebrated the news, which offers relief to those who need to travel 90 kilometers to the "Faustino Pérez" provincial hospital in Matanzas to undergo these tests.

"An incentive for many patients not having to travel all the way to Faustino. What a joy to see that things are being done for my favorite little corner of the planet, and I wish even more could be done. The big house of many needs and deserves it, wrote one person."

Another, however, did not just congratulate the doctors on the restoration of the service but also reported that in that same hospital the hygienic conditions of the wards are terrible.

"Congratulations to this team of doctors who strive to expand their knowledge and specialties for the benefit of those who need these services. A contrast, the hidden face of the moon is represented by the construction and hygiene conditions of their rooms, such as in the Gynecology and Surgery room fundamentally," he opposed.

In a severe crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, hospitals and clinics in Cuba have reduced basic services for the population.

Recently, the delivery room at the Mayarí hospital, which had been closed for a year due to repairs, was reopened. During that time, pregnant women were transferred to other hospitals in Holguín for care.

The venue received a state investment of over five million pesos and successfully reopened.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Restoration of Medical Services at Colón Hospital

Why have gastroenterology and colonoscopy services at Colón Hospital been suspended for over 15 years?

No official reasons have been provided for why these services were inactive for so long. However, the context of the Cuban healthcare system suggests that a lack of resources and inadequate conditions have impacted numerous hospitals across the country.

What is the importance of colonoscopy for patient health?

Colonoscopy is a crucial examination for the early detection of colon cancer, which affects many people in Cuba each year. This procedure allows for the visualization of the interior of the colon and rectum to identify polyps, inflammation, ulcers, or cancer.

How has the population reacted to the restoration of these services at the Colón hospital?

Hundreds of internet users have celebrated the restoration of these services as a significant relief, as many patients were forced to travel 90 kilometers to Matanzas to receive medical care.

What are the current criticisms regarding the conditions of the Colón hospital?

Despite the reactivation of services, inadequate hygiene and sanitation conditions have been reported in some areas of the hospital, such as Gynecology and Surgery, reflecting the structural issues of the Cuban health system.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.