A violent attack at the Policlínico Sur de Palma Soriano, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, left three people injured on the night of August 9, including a nurse who, according to neighbors, was stabbed multiple times in the chest while working and was urgently transferred to the Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora, where she underwent surgery.
According to the version published by the page Héroes del Moncada, associated with the Ministry of the Interior in Santiago de Cuba, the assailant, a 32-year-old young man who was self-employed, burst into the institution carrying a knife and injured a nurse, a security guard, and another person present at the scene.
Witnesses alerted the police, who eventually arrested the suspect, now under investigation to clarify the reasons for the attack. According to the official source, the young man did not know the victims and had no criminal record.
However, on social media, testimonies emerged that contradict the official version regarding the arrest. “Lie. The police didn't capture anyone. If the people from the polyclinic hadn’t beaten him and tied him up, he would still be on the street,” stated a user in the post from Héroes del Moncada.
Others reported that the police were called on several occasions and that they arrived when "it was already too late, as always."
The initial report was made on Facebook by independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, and in his post, neighbors of the assaulted nurse, described as “a very good person,” recounted that the attacker “first grabbed her by the neck and then stabbed her several times” without any prior relationship between them.
Some suspect that the young man acted under the influence of drugs, in a context of increasing violence that, according to various comments, is linked to the economic crisis, blackouts, social stress, and substance abuse.
The messages of outrage also highlighted the sense of impunity and institutional deterioration.
This is not the first case in Palma and the authorities do nothing. The instructors are enablers. The law should take strict action, a human life means nothing, but if a cow is killed, they give anyone 20 years in prison,” wrote an internet user, also denouncing the corruption and lack of response from security agencies.
Others emphasized the vulnerability of healthcare workers in Cuba, who operate under precarious conditions and are exposed to episodes of violence.
“It is very sad to see the aggression towards public health personnel, who sometimes try to give their best without the proper conditions,” lamented another user, recalling that similar cases have occurred in various provinces without effective measures being taken.
Local authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to clarify the motives behind the attack, while the community of Palma Soriano remains in shock and is demanding concrete actions to curb the violence that, according to residents, has become a part of daily life on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the increase in violence in Cuba and the safety of healthcare personnel
What happened at the Policlínico Sur in Palma Soriano?
A 32-year-old man attacked a nurse, a security guard, and another person with a knife at the Policlínico Sur in Palma Soriano. The nurse was taken to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital due to the injuries sustained. The attacker has been apprehended and is under investigation to determine the reasons for the assault.
How have the authorities responded to the violence in healthcare facilities in Cuba?
Local authorities have assured that an investigation is underway to clarify the reasons behind the attacks. However, there is growing discontent among the population due to the lack of effective actions to prevent these incidents and protect healthcare personnel, highlighting a failure in the security protocols and police response in healthcare institutions.
What factors contribute to the rise of violence in Cuba?
The increase in violence in Cuba is linked to factors such as the economic crisis, blackouts, social stress, and the use of chemical substances. These elements have created an atmosphere of tension and desperation that is reflected in violent attacks and a sense of impunity and vulnerability among citizens.
What does the population think about the safety of healthcare personnel in Cuba?
There is a widespread sentiment that healthcare personnel in Cuba work under precarious conditions and are exposed to episodes of violence. Many citizens are calling for effective measures to ensure their safety, arguing that despite their efforts to provide care, health workers are not adequately protected in their work environment.
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