Patients and families reported the deplorable condition of the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Provincial Hospital in Holguín, through images and videos that show the filth, decay, and pests affecting the facility.
The reports indicate bathrooms without water or with murky, bloody water in the sinks, dirty and broken toilets, loose tiles, collapsed ceiling tiles, and accumulated trash in the rooms. There are also reports of bedbug and cockroach infestations, as well as decomposing food in trash bins next to patients.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón reported on the complaints. Some of his followers point out that part of the responsibility for what is happening in the health center falls on patients and their companions, who throw food scraps in the bathrooms or do not cooperate with basic hygiene, which contributes to the proliferation of rodents and insects.
Other internet users assert that the magnitude of the problem goes beyond individual behavior and is a result of the inefficiency of hospital administration, a lack of resources for cleaning, and the absence of maintenance.
Recent testimonies mention mattresses infested with bedbugs that have caused injuries to patients. In the oncology department, according to reports, all the cubicles are plagued, making it impossible for the sick to rest.
The water shortage forces people to buy bottles on the street at high prices, while restrooms remain unusable for weeks.
The deterioration of the center is not new. Some users claim that the situation has been ongoing for decades. For others, it reflects the state of the hospital network across Cuba, where hygiene and basic conditions have significantly declined.
"Not even in the fifth world do you see something like this," laments one complainant, while another states that "going to the hospital is already synonymous with dying from another illness."
In addition to citizen grievances, there is frustration over the lack of concrete actions from the authorities. Many agree that the hospital seems to lack effective leadership, control, and short-term solutions.
In this same medical center last week, a woman who was posing as a nurse was detained with the intent to scam patients and healthcare professionals. This is a concerning indication of the lack of security and the disorder that prevails in the hospital.
Between resignation and anger, the reports agree that the situation at Lenin Hospital is “inhumane for the patients” and a painful example of the collapse of basic healthcare services in the country.
Frequently asked questions about the state of hospitals in Cuba
What is the current status of the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Provincial Hospital in Holguín?
The Vladimir Ilich Lenin Provincial Hospital in Holguín is in a deplorable state, with bathrooms lacking water or having murky water, dirty and broken toilets, infestations of bedbugs and cockroaches, and decomposing food alongside the patients. The situation has been reported on social media and reflects the collapse of the healthcare system in Cuba.
Are there hygiene issues in other hospitals in Cuba?
Yes, hygiene issues are not limited to the Lenin Hospital in Holguín. Other complaints have indicated unsanitary conditions in hospitals such as the Gustavo Machín Psychiatric Hospital in Santiago de Cuba and the Materno Infantil in Güines, where reports of bedbug and cockroach infestations, accumulated garbage, and a lack of basic resources are noted.
How does the scarcity of resources affect Cuban hospitals?
The scarcity of resources is a critical issue in Cuban hospitals, contributing to a lack of hygiene, maintenance, and basic materials. This shortage has led to extreme situations, such as using buttons to stitch wounds due to the lack of adequate medical supplies.
What actions have the Cuban authorities taken in response to these complaints?
Until now, the Cuban authorities have not taken sufficient concrete actions to resolve the issues of unsanitary conditions in hospitals. Complaints are often met with official silence or sanctions against those who dare to report, instead of addressing the underlying causes of the crisis.
What is the perception of the Cuban population regarding the situation of hospitals?
The Cuban population perceives a significant deterioration in the quality of health services, reflected in the poor conditions of hospitals, the lack of resources, and the inadequate response from the government. This perception has been exacerbated by the constant exposure of cases of negligence and corruption within the health system.
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