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Two elderly individuals are left in a state of complete abandonment at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital in Camagüey, according to a report by Cuban exiled journalist José Luis Tan Estrada on his social media.
"URGENT. Elderly abandoned in the Geriatrics area of the Provincial Hospital of Camagüey," alerted the reporter in a Facebook post, where they shared heartbreaking details about the patients' situation.
Tan Estrada specified that the elderly individuals are in the Medicine Room of the hospital, one in cubicle 1, bed 37 MB, and the other in cubicle 3, bed 51 MB, without receiving the necessary basic medical attention or even the minimum hygiene care.
"Both patients remain alone, without constant assistance, covered in feces and without bathing for days. Their beds and surroundings are dirty, without changes of clothes or minimal cleaning, exposing them to infections and physical and emotional deterioration," the communicator reported.
The images and descriptions shared by the journalist reflect an alarming situation of negligence, endangering the lives of these vulnerable individuals and highlighting the collapse of the Cuban public health system.
"The lack of hygiene and supervision reveals serious negligence within the hospital. The Provincial Health Department and the administration of the medical center appear unable to guarantee the minimum care that these patients deserve," declared Tan Estrada.
Aging in Cuba
This new case of hospital abandonment adds to a series of reports highlighting the dramatic situation of the elderly in Cuba. Just a few days ago, a video shared by the content creators group Los Fuera de Rosca showed a 93-year-old man selling candies on the streets of Havana to survive.
"I worked my whole life as a welder, in the Plaza de la Revolución, in the Havana tunnel... and now I have to keep working because my pension isn't enough," declared the elderly man, visibly emotional. He claimed to have been a victim of theft while trying to make a living as a street vendor.
The reality faced by millions of elderly people on the island is the result of a system that has failed to provide social security and decent living conditions for its oldest citizens.
Official data indicate that 39% of retirees in Cuba receive the minimum pension, amounting to 1,528 pesos per month, a figure that barely covers basic necessities.
Uncontrolled inflation, the shortage of medications, the collapse of hospitals, and the lack of support networks exacerbate the vulnerability of this population group, which continues to grow due to the accelerated aging of Cuban society.
The lack of basic care in healthcare institutions is a serious violation of human rights and a reflection of the multidimensional crisis facing the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of the Elderly in Cuba
What is the current situation of the elderly at the Camagüey Provincial Hospital?
Two elderly individuals are found abandoned at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital in Camagüey, without receiving basic medical attention or necessary hygiene care. This situation reflects a serious negligence and the collapse of the Cuban public health system.
How does the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system affect the elderly?
The crisis of the Cuban healthcare system is severely affecting the elderly, who face a lack of proper medical care, unsanitary conditions in hospitals, and a chronic shortage of medications. This puts the life and well-being of this vulnerable population at risk.
What is the economic situation of retirees in Cuba?
Retirees in Cuba live in a precarious economic situation, as 39% receive the minimum pension of 1,528 pesos per month, an amount insufficient to cover basic products. Inflation and food scarcity worsen their circumstances, increasing their vulnerability.
What measures have been taken to improve the situation of the elderly in Cuba?
Although the Cuban government has announced increases in pensions for some retirees, the measures are insufficient to address the precariousness and neglect faced by the elderly. The lack of proper care and resources remains a critical issue.
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