The Cuban user @llovera094 shared her testimony on TikTok after visiting a hospital in Spain for the first time, specifically in Manresa, Barcelona, which sparked a wide debate among followers of different nationalities.
"I am a Cuban living in Barcelona, and today for the first time I stepped into a hospital here in Spain. It is very different from a hospital in Cuba, from the technology to the care, cleanliness, organization, everyone is willing to help you, everyone has an answer to make you feel better, everything is organized, everything is done in a timely manner. There might be some issues, as is the case everywhere, but it is quite well organized. It’s nothing like a hospital in Cuba," she stated in the video.
The center she visited, the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Manresa, has been described by several users as a private management, publicly funded maternal and child hospital in Catalonia.
The video, lasting just 36 seconds, sparked dozens of reactions among those who celebrated the differences from Cuban reality and others who pointed out common issues in Spanish hospitals, such as long wait times and a lack of staff.
"There are not enough doctors, but the care is good," commented a user. Others mentioned that in hospitals like this one, "you don't have to bring sheets, pots, or fans," referring to the precarious conditions of the healthcare system in Cuba. There were also those who defended public healthcare against possible privatization attempts: "That's why we need to take care of it and not let the right privatize it."
Some Spanish users clarified that the hospital does not belong to the Catalan Health Institute (ICS), but is instead a concerted center. "In Catalonia, we only have 8 ICS hospitals that are 100% funded by social security," explained one internet user.
The testimony also sparked critical comments: “Don’t they say that Cuban doctors are the best?” to which the creator of the video replied: “They are the best; I’m not talking about the doctors, I’m talking about the hospitals.”
The experience of @llovera094 adds to a growing wave of testimonials from Cubans who, after emigrating, share their impressions on social media upon accessing public health systems for the first time outside the island.
Another Cuban in Spain, @susana.lavidaesuna, described her impression during her first visit to the public healthcare system as “5-star hotels,” and praised the digital organization of the service: “The doctors are incredible, very well trained, and the treatment is wonderful.”
From Mexico, influencer @maryfra.21 has shared various experiences in centers like Salud Digna and the IMSS, highlighting cleanliness, adherence to protocols, and respect for patients. “They let her choose which shift she wanted to be seen in”, she noted after taking her mother to an appointment, surprised by the organization.
In Chile, the creator “El Dr. Mulato” recorded family moments during his wife's hospitalization and, in response to comparisons with Cuba, said: “In Cuba, there isn't even a mattress, the sheets are stained with secretions and fluids, there are no windows, and cockroaches visit you in the hospital.”
These testimonies, though varied in their nuances and host countries, share a common narrative thread: the contrast between health systems with shortcomings in Cuba and more organized and equipped structures abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cubans in Hospitals Outside of Cuba
How do Cubans describe healthcare in hospitals outside of Cuba?
Cuban individuals who have experienced care in hospitals outside of Cuba highlight the significant difference in the quality of services, mentioning clean facilities, staff eager to assist, and organized processes. This stands in stark contrast to the precarious conditions and lack of basic supplies in Cuban hospitals.
What is the current situation of hospitals in Cuba according to testimonies?
The testimonies indicate that hospitals in Cuba are facing serious shortages, such as a lack of basic supplies (syringes, sheets, medicines) and inadequate hygiene conditions. Furthermore, patients often have to bring their own supplies, which reflects a system in crisis.
How have Cubans reacted to healthcare in other countries?
Cubans have reacted with astonishment and gratitude to medical care in other countries, describing it as organized and respectful of the patient. Many highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the availability of resources, which translates into a positive experience that contrasts with that of Cuba.
What do Cubans think about the organization of healthcare systems abroad?
Cuban people have expressed that the organization of healthcare systems abroad is much more efficient than in Cuba. They mention the ability to choose appointment slots, digital management systems, and the speed of receiving diagnoses, which significantly enhances the patient experience.
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