The Cuban TikTok user Gthaly shared a video showing the conditions in which her grandfather is being treated at a hospital in Guantánamo, provoking outrage on social media.
"Today I went to visit my grandfather at the hospital where he has been admitted for more than four days. These are the conditions he is in—well, here I’ll show you a bit of how the place looks, which is shameful, disgusting, and embarrassing. This should not even be a hospital. I am extremely outraged because it hurts anyone to see this, and not only that, the food is appalling. It’s truly painful to witness the situation in which Cuba finds itself today," expressed @gthaly1 while showing images of deteriorated walls, humidity, dirt, and broken furniture.
Among users' reactions, comments such as: "I thought Cuba was a world power in medicine, what happened? Oh right, communism"; "The doctors are still good. But they are not to blame for how the government manages healthcare in Cuba"; "But what does it matter that the doctors are good if they have no resources to care for patients"; or "That shouldn't be called a hospital" can be read.
The video adds to other recent reports regarding the hospital crisis in Cuba, particularly in Guantánamo. In May of this year, a serious breakdown paralyzed the elevators of the Dr. Agostinho Neto General Teaching Hospital for over two weeks, forcing the transport of patients, food, and supplies via the stairs, and subsequently restricting their use due to a lack of new parts.
In January, relatives of patients at the "Luis Ramírez López" Psychiatric Hospital reported the lack of medical equipment and mistreatment of patients, including the electroconvulsive therapy machine that had been broken for months.
In July 2024, an image of the food served to a child in the pediatric hospital of Guantánamo went viral: “a little bit of white rice, peas, and five pieces of boiled plantain” , along with reports about the poor condition of the restrooms.
The health crisis has been acknowledged by the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, who in July 2025 admitted that Cuba has only 30% of the essential medication supply , amidst a "widespread deterioration of medical services."
The complaints are not limited to Guantánamo. In August, Dr. Roselin Moreno exposed the abandonment of hemodialysis patients in Manzanillo , with interruptions in treatment due to a lack of supplies such as sodium bicarbonate.
That same month, the government acknowledged the collapse of electric plants in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba, which endangers intensive care services and the preservation of medications.
Also in August, patients and families reported the presence of pests, dirt, and neglect at the Lenin Provincial Hospital in Holguín, with mattresses infested with bedbugs and unusable bathrooms.
The publication from Gthaly reflects, with images and direct testimony, a reality that is repeated in medical centers across the island and which, according to multiple reports and official statements, is part of a structural crisis affecting public health in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hospital Crisis in Cuba
What are the current conditions of the hospitals in Guantánamo?
The conditions of hospitals in Guantánamo are extremely precarious. The hospitals have deteriorating walls, humidity, dirt, and furniture in poor condition. Furthermore, there are issues such as the lack of operational elevators, which force the manual transport of patients and supplies, as well as the scarcity of essential medical equipment.
What problems does the healthcare system in Cuba face in general?
The healthcare system in Cuba faces multiple issues, including the shortage of medications, deterioration of infrastructure, lack of medical equipment, and mistreatment of patients. Additionally, there is a structural crisis affecting hospital care, the availability of basic supplies, and the ability to respond to emergencies.
How does the hospital crisis affect patients in Cuba?
The hospital crisis in Cuba has a severe impact on patients, who face unsanitary conditions, a lack of medications and equipment, and at times, mistreatment. This jeopardizes their health and well-being by not receiving the timely and appropriate care they need.
What complaints have been made about psychiatric hospitals in Cuba?
Several reports have been filed concerning psychiatric hospitals in Cuba, including assaults on patients, a lack of essential medical equipment, and unsanitary conditions. These situations have raised concern about the lack of oversight and the protection of human rights within these facilities.
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