A young Mexican woman has gone viral on TikTok after sharing her experience living in Cuba, a country she moved to with her husband and baby. In the video, she answers a common question among her followers: why did she decide to move to the island?
Originally from a small town called El Triunfo in Tabasco, the young woman —who identifies as @anylunarvaez on TikTok— claims that one of the main reasons was Cuban medicine, which she had heard about long before stepping foot on the island.
"An urban legend that is a reality is that in Cuba, medicine is very good," she commented while putting on her makeup. She explained that despite the shortages faced by Cubans, doctors exhaust all possible alternatives before making drastic decisions like amputation. "There, before they cut off your foot, they look for a thousand options to save it," she stated.
The young woman also highlighted the training of Cuban professionals. “I believe that is why when Cuban doctors come to Mexico, they thrive here as well. Furthermore, it is a country where people read a lot; they are also very artistic. They have a strong affinity for art, painting, and dance,” she added.
During her account, she mentioned having visited several hospitals in Havana, from which she expressed being impressed by their architecture. "You can see a bit of neglect, well, quite a lot, but you can tell that when they were in their golden age —around the 1960s— they were magnificent hospitals," she noted.
He compared some hallways to scenes from the Harry Potter series: “They even look like Hogwarts,” he said with a laugh, while highlighting the colonial style and the architectural details that still endure. He also mentioned that he knows of Cuban doctors who have exchanged experiences in Saudi Arabia and Mexico.
In response to those who criticize her for choosing to live in a country facing an energy crisis and shortages, the young woman answered with humor and perspective: “The power doesn’t go out for five days here, but we do experience power outages for a few hours. We lose signal, and sometimes the electricity and water go out for three or four days,” she said. However, she assured that her life in Tabasco had already prepared her for these conditions.
"When my husband told me we were going to move there, I said yes. My mom didn't raise a coward, of course she didn't know what I was up against," she concluded, reaffirming her decision to move to the island with her family.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of a Mexican in the Cuban Healthcare System
Why did the young Mexican decide to move to Cuba?
The young Mexican decided to move to Cuba because of the quality of its healthcare, which she had heard positive things about before arriving on the island. Despite the country's shortcomings, she emphasizes the training of the doctors and their approach to exhaust all options before making drastic decisions regarding medical treatments.
What are your impressions of the hospitals in Havana?
The young woman expressed that the hospitals in Havana have stunning architecture, although they show some neglect. She compared some hallways to scenes from the Harry Potter saga due to their colonial style, emphasizing that in their heyday they were considered prestigious hospitals, although now they exhibit signs of deterioration.
How does the young woman cope with criticism about living in a country with an energy crisis?
The young woman faces criticism with humor and perspective, mentioning that she was already accustomed to similar conditions in Tabasco, Mexico. She expressed that, although there are power outages in Cuba lasting a few hours, they are not comparable to the lack of electricity for five consecutive days that could occur in other contexts.
What cultural aspects does the young woman highlight about Cuba?
The young Mexican highlighted that, in addition to medicine, Cuba is a country that greatly values art, painting, and dance. She mentions that Cubans have a natural inclination towards artistic activities and a habit of reading, which contributes to their cultural development.
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