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A Cuban mother reported on social media the dire conditions of the "Eduardo Agramonte Piña" Pediatric Hospital in Camagüey, where, according to her testimony, only one pediatrician was available to care for all the admitted children amid a healthcare crisis affecting several provinces of the country.
The woman recounted that her daughter was hospitalized with a high fever and symptoms consistent with dengue, but upon arriving at the medical center, she encountered a desperate situation: long lines of parents with their sick children, overcrowded rooms, and an almost total shortage of specialized medical staff.
"There's only one pediatrician for the entire hospital," the mother wrote indignantly, asserting that she had to wait for hours before someone attended to her daughter, while the resident doctors were attempting to manage the demand under conditions of evident overload.
The testimony, shared by Camagüey journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, reflects the progressive collapse of the pediatric health system in Cuba, at a time when cases of arbovirus infections—especially dengue and chikungunya—are surging in several provinces.
In recent days, pediatric hospitals in Matanzas, Havana, and Camagüey have reported a surge in admissions due to febrile and gastrointestinal conditions, alongside a shortage of medications, lack of oxygen, and exhausted staff.
In some centers, such as the Eliseo Noel Camaño in Matanzas, authorities have even set up care areas in medical universities to respond to the emergency.
The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) recently acknowledged the death of three individuals due to dengue, following weeks of official silence, and admitted to the simultaneous circulation of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever. However, it did not provide details about the ages or provinces of the deceased, fueling criticism over the lack of transparency.
Meanwhile, citizen complaints are multiplying on social media, where families from across the island are sharing images of children waiting for medical attention in hallways, without medication or basic conditions, and demanding immediate answers from the government regarding the deterioration of the healthcare system.
“Doctors are heroes, but they cannot work miracles”, wrote another mother from Matanzas, summarizing the feeling of frustration and abandonment that today extends among Cubans facing their children's illness without resources or hopes for relief in the country's hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Pediatric Hospitals in Cuba
What is the current situation of the pediatric health system in Cuba?
The pediatric healthcare system in Cuba is facing a significant collapse. Hospitals like the Pediatric Hospital of Camagüey are suffering from an extreme shortage of medical staff, with only one pediatrician available to attend to numerous children. Additionally, there is a critical lack of medications, oxygen, and basic hygiene conditions, which has led to an increase in citizen complaints and a perception of abandonment by the government.
What diseases are currently affecting children in hospitals in Cuba?
Children in Cuba are being affected by arboviral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever. These illnesses are leading to an increase in hospital admissions due to symptoms like high fever and general malaise. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of resources for adequate control of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector for these diseases.
How is the Cuban government responding to the health crisis in pediatric hospitals?
The response of the Cuban government has been insufficient and lacking in transparency. Although the Ministry of Public Health has acknowledged the death of three people from dengue, it has not provided important details about the victims. Furthermore, the measures implemented, such as the home admission of patients, have been criticized for leaving families without adequate medical follow-up. The lack of clear information and the initial denial of the problems have fueled criticism of the regime.
What infrastructure problems do pediatric hospitals face in Cuba?
Pediatric hospitals in Cuba are facing serious infrastructure problems. Unsanitary conditions have been reported, such as poorly maintained bathrooms, the presence of cockroaches, and garbage accumulation. These deficiencies not only impact the quality of medical care but also increase the risk of infections among patients, who are already vulnerable due to their health conditions.
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