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The General Directorate of Health in Las Tunas denied on Tuesday that the recent deaths of minors at the “Calixto Sarduy Arcia” Medical-Psychopedagogical Center were due to malnutrition or lack of medication, as claimed in social media posts.
The official note acknowledges the occurrence of deaths among residents of the center, but states that there is no unusual increase in the statistics, and that the fatalities are related to the biological conditions and associated illnesses of individuals with severe and profound disabilities.
"The identified causes of death are consistent with statistics from previous years and do not reflect an increase during this period. In no case has malnutrition or the lack of medication been evidenced as direct causes," the statement indicates.
The note, signed by the General Directorate of Health, states that the center is dedicated to the comprehensive care of individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities and that it "has trained personnel for the care and protection of the residents," both those living on-site and those in a semi-residential arrangement, with support from their families.
Despite the "challenges arising from the economic blockade that particularly affects the Public Health System," the authorities assure that they have implemented coordination mechanisms to maintain "medical assistance and the quality of life" for patients, especially for those who have no family or conditions to receive home care.
The official response insists on rejecting what they describe as false information that "seeks to discredit the work of our institutions," and they reaffirm their "commitment to transparency and the well-being" of the individuals served in that center.
According to reports that circulated on social media, nine children have died this year in the institution, located in the main municipality, as a direct result of "institutional neglect," "lack of medical supplies," and "total absence of hygiene products."
These complaints were accompanied by strong criticism of the management of the Cuban healthcare system, which was accused of "misallocating resources" and keeping the true causes of the deaths silent.
There were also concerns about the lack of audits, the absence of institutional oversight, and the "official silence" regarding what they describe as preventable deaths.
“When resources are diverted and no one answers, what is lost is not just a life: it is the humanity of a country that remains silent,” stated the text published by the platform Reporte Cuba Ya, one of the outlets that reported on the alleged issue in Las Tunas.
Although the regime insists that there was no negligence or institutional abandonment in the case of the medical-psychopedagogical center in Las Tunas, the structural crisis of the healthcare system in Cuba has become evident time and again in recent complaints from patients and their families.
A case of neglect at the psychiatric hospital in Havana highlighted the lack of minimal assistance to a bedridden patient, who was found malnourished, unhygienic, and covered in excrement.
The situation has not been isolated. An internal investigation revealed that a psychiatric patient was beaten by the staff, in an incident that was eventually acknowledged by the authorities, although no known public consequences were imposed on those responsible.
Structural problems are also reflected in the deterioration of sanitary conditions. A bedbug infestation was reported in the same hospital, where patients were kept hospitalized without minimal hygiene conditions or treatment for the infestation.
Previously, a leaked video from inside a psychiatric hospital revealed scenes of neglect, overcrowding, and deterioration of the facilities, adding more evidence to the quiet collapse of the system.
Despite the official statements that deny these realities, the documented facts speak for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in the Cuban Healthcare System
What are the causes of deaths at the Medical-Psychopedagogical Center of Las Tunas?
Cuban authorities deny that the deaths are due to malnutrition or lack of medications, stating that they are consistent with the biological conditions and diseases of residents with severe and profound disabilities. However, allegations have emerged on social media pointing to institutional neglect and shortages of supplies as contributing factors to these deaths.
What complaints have been made about the management of the Cuban healthcare system?
The complaints include allegations of misallocation of resources, lack of transparency regarding the causes of deaths, and the absence of audits. There is criticism of the inadequate institutional response to the neglect and deplorable conditions in medical facilities, which has been documented in various contexts within the Cuban healthcare system.
How does the economic blockade affect the healthcare system in Cuba?
The Cuban government maintains that the economic blockade exacerbates the difficulties of the healthcare system, impacting the availability of resources and medications. However, critics argue that poor management and a lack of transparency also play a significant role in the deficiencies of the healthcare system.
What recent cases have highlighted issues in the Cuban healthcare system?
Recent cases include the death of a young man in Camagüey due to severe malnutrition and reports of deplorable conditions at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital. These incidents reflect a pattern of negligence and inadequate resources in Cuban health institutions, exacerbating the health crisis on the island.
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