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Cuban medicine once again dressed in mourning with the news of the passing of Dr. Orlaida Matos Urgellés, a renowned health professional in Baracoa.
According to confirmation from colleagues on social media, the specialist passed away on Thursday, August 21, around 7:30 PM in the Intensive Care Unit of the municipal hospital in that city, after suffering an acute cerebrovascular illness.
Matos Urgellés was part of the generation of doctors who graduated in 1990 from the School of Medical Sciences in Guantánamo and was a member of the III Carlos J. Finlay Detachment, a source of professionals that significantly contributed to the expansion of the healthcare system in the eastern region.
Throughout her career, she was valued not only for her medical expertise but also for her approachable personality and willingness to serve, qualities highlighted in the messages from colleagues and friends.
Doctor Plácido Ferreiro Romero expressed his sorrow on Facebook with words of tribute: “Rest in peace, my dear friend and classmate Orlaida. We will miss you."
In the same vein, the informational page Miguel Noticias confirmed the passing and recalled the legacy of the doctor, whom it described as an essential part of Baracoense medicine.
A loss that adds to others in the healthcare sector
The passing of Matos Urgelles occurs just a few days after public health officials in Santiago de Cuba mourned the loss of Dr. Irma Mercedes Tumbarell Villalón, a neonatologist with an extensive career and director of the Tamara Bunke Maternal Hospital.
Tumbarell left an indelible legacy in maternal and child healthcare and in training new generations of doctors.
In recent months, the Cuban medical community has had to bid farewell to several prestigious figures: in April, pediatrician Silvia Carlota passed away, remembered for her dedication to the children of Santiago; the following month, both Dr. Armando Caballero López and cardiologist Enrique Sanabria passed away, both nationally recognized figures.
In July, the loss of Dr. Yaimarelis Pico and the former Health Minister Julio Teja Pérez, who was influential in organizing the island's healthcare system, was lamented.
Consternation in the medical community
The death of Dr. Orlaida Matos has caused deep sorrow in Baracoa, where she was widely beloved by patients and colleagues.
On social media, numerous messages highlight not only his professional capabilities but also his human qualities—a combination of science and empathy that defined his time in Guantanamo medicine.
His departure leaves a void in the local medical community and adds to a series of losses that have impacted the Cuban healthcare sector in the past year, heightening the sense of mourning in a profession that has been a fundamental pillar of society.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Doctor Orlaida Matos Urgellés and the Medical Situation in Cuba
Who was Doctor Orlaida Matos Urgellés?
Doctor Orlaida Matos Urgellés was a renowned health professional in Baracoa, graduated in 1990 from the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Guantánamo. She was part of the III Carlos J. Finlay Detachment and left a significant mark on Guantanamo medicine due to her professional skills and human qualities.
What impact did the passing of Dr. Matos have on the Cuban medical community?
The passing of Dr. Matos caused deep sorrow in Baracoa and among the medical community, leaving a significant void in the eastern region of Cuba. Her departure adds to a series of losses that have impacted the Cuban health sector, intensifying the sense of mourning in a profession that is essential for Cuban society.
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a structural crisis, with significant shortages of medical resources and qualified personnel, which is reflected in the lack of medications and the deterioration of medical services. Furthermore, the unsanitary conditions in some hospitals have been the subject of frequent complaints, highlighting an institutional neglect.
Why has the Cuban medical community suffered so many losses in recent months?
The Cuban medical community has faced the loss of several outstanding professionals, due to various causes such as illnesses and adverse working conditions. These losses have created a void in the healthcare sector, reflecting the precariousness of the health system and the lack of adequate conditions for practicing medicine on the island.
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