A newborn had to be carried down the stairs of the Hijas de Galicia Hospital in Havana because the elevator in the medical center was not working. The incident was recorded on video and shared on social media by the user Valeri Havana.
"Cuba until when, my God, until when Cuba", wrote while sharing the video where a nurse is seen holding the baby in her arms as she carried him up the hospital stairs.
"Welcome Manuel Orlando," he later wrote alongside several photos showing the newborn already bundled up.
The case was later highlighted by the Cuban influencer Edmundo Dantés Junior, who shared the video on his profile with the message: "Newborn being carried up stairs due to broken elevator in hospital. Doctors and nurses in the worst conditions saving lives," he wrote in his post, where he admitted he was left speechless and wished for the little one to be well.
"Baby Manuel Orlando is doing well. His aunt made a post after seeing them carry the newborn up the stairs because the hospital elevator was out of service. In the post, she thanks the doctors, clarifying that she is not a communist for this. The doctors and nurses in Cuba work practically with nothing," Dantés celebrated in a later post.
This case has generated multiple reactions on social media, not only criticizing the health system and its shortcomings but also recognizing the healthcare staff and sending well wishes to the baby. One user commented: "Those in labor have to climb that staircase to give birth. If it's bad luck, they'll deliver along the way", suggesting that the hospital's elevator has not been working for some time.
This case adds to other similar incidents that have occurred in the country. In the José Ramón López Tabrane Hospital in Matanzas, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life due to obstetric hemorrhage and was transported by the Fire Department due to the elevator's malfunction.
Also, at the Agostinho Neto Hospital in Guantánamo, the elevators were out of service for over two weeks, affecting the transfer of patients, supplies, and even the deceased.
These facts reflect a prolonged crisis in the Cuban hospital infrastructure, where the lack of maintenance and basic equipment continues to impact patient safety and the work of healthcare staff.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hospital Crisis in Cuba
Why did a newborn have to be transported down the stairs in a hospital in Havana?
The newborn was carried down the stairs because the elevator at the Hijas de Galicia hospital was not working. This case reflects the lack of maintenance and the ongoing crisis in Cuba's hospital infrastructure.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban healthcare system?
The main criticisms focus on the lack of maintenance, the shortage of supplies, and the deterioration of hospital conditions. Cases such as the absence of elevators, inadequate medical equipment, and unsanitary conditions are common and provoke outrage among the population.
How does the lack of resources affect hospitals in Cuba?
The lack of resources severely impacts medical care, forcing staff to improvise with what they have. This includes everything from using buttons instead of sutures to transporting patients up and down stairs due to non-functioning elevators.
What reactions has the hospital situation in Cuba generated?
The situation has generated outrage and criticism on social media, as well as recognition for the medical staff working in precarious conditions. Social media users have expressed their frustration and concern over the state of hospitals and the lack of basic supplies.
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