The Cuban TikTok user @briana_matancera shared a video showcasing a day spent with her grandmother admitted to Comandante Faustino Pérez hospital in the province of Matanzas, after undergoing surgery for an intestinal obstruction.
"This is what a day in a hospital here in Cuba is like. Stay with me, and I'll show you," says the creator at the beginning of the video, which has gone viral on the platform. In her narration, she describes how she spent the night in a wooden chair, what she had for breakfast, and briefly shows the hospital room where she was with another patient.
"Of course, I spent the whole night without sleeping here in this very hard wooden chair," he expressed. At another moment in the clip, he mentions, "What you see there was my breakfast because there was nothing else."
It also showed the moment when he had to leave the room while the doctors were making rounds, whom he recognized by their manner: "Honestly, they have provided us with magnificent care."
However, it highlighted the structural shortcomings of the hospital by stating that it had to go fill a bucket with water: "I had to go fill the bucket because I needed to have a reserve since I didn't know when I would come back." Despite that, it reiterated: "Thank God for the care from the doctors, who, despite the lack of conditions, are very willing to help."
During the recording, it is also shown how he helps his grandmother walk down the halls to aid in her postoperative recovery.
The video has sparked hundreds of supportive reactions for the young woman and her grandmother, as well as comments that highlight the deterioration of the Cuban hospital system. "A hospital without water! God protect us," wrote one user. Another commented: "That place looks terrible; not even the worst hospital in Panama is like that. God, that doesn’t look like a hospital."
Some internet users compared the situation to other countries: "It looks better than in Venezuela," while another person expressed, "At least the cleanliness is visible, and that is very important for recovery."
There were also those who focused on the healthcare personnel: "Cuban doctors are excellent people," and "Thank God you got a hospital that was less bad."
The creator herself responded to several comments clarifying that the hospital where her grandmother was treated is the hospital Faustino Pérez and that the surgery was for "intestinal obstruction" or "intestinal occlusion," as she stated in different messages.
Recent reports on hospital conditions in Cuba
In recent months, multiple citizen complaints have been reported from hospitals across the country. In Guantánamo, a young woman said, "This shouldn't even be a hospital," as she showed the conditions in which her grandfather remains hospitalized.
In the Lenin Hospital in Holguín, patients have reported infestations of bedbugs, broken bathrooms, and rotting food.
At the maternal hospital in Güines, users documented trash accumulating for weeks.
And in the same Faustino Pérez hospital where the creator's grandmother was treated, another Cuban showed that she had to bring her own syringes for a test.
In January, at the José Ramón López Tabrane hospital in Matanzas, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life due to the lack of an operational elevator.
In March, following a massive blackout, critically ill patients had to be urgently transferred to other facilities due to a lack of electricity.
Despite the widespread deterioration, many Cubans continue to acknowledge the work of medical staff. A comment on TikTok captures this sentiment: "Cuban doctors are indeed good, and they also don't have what they need."
Frequently Asked Questions about Hospital Conditions in Cuba
What are the conditions like in hospitals in Cuba?
The conditions of hospitals in Cuba are precarious, with structural deficiencies and a lack of basic supplies such as water and medical materials. Testimonials from users on social media have highlighted the need to bring their own syringes and the absence of running water in hospital centers. Despite these shortcomings, medical staff are recognized for their dedication and humane treatment.
How does the Cuban healthcare system compare to that of other countries?
The Cuban healthcare system, while historically recognized, currently faces serious limitations in resources and infrastructure. Compared to countries like Spain or Mexico, where facilities are described as clean and organized, the Cuban system shows significant deterioration. This translates into the need for patients to bring their own supplies and encounter deficient hospital conditions.
What reactions have the testimonies about the hospital situation in Cuba generated?
The testimonies have generated a strong reaction on social media, with users expressing their outrage and support for those affected. These accounts have highlighted the deterioration of the healthcare system in Cuba and have prompted comparisons with other countries in Latin America. While there is recognition of the efforts of Cuban doctors, criticism is focused on the poor management of the health system by the government.
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