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While Cuba is experiencing tense moments following the protests in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, a post from the Provincial Health Directorate of Villa Clara stirred outrage on social media by claiming that “peace reigns in its hospitals” during the early morning hours.
The message, published on Facebook by the institution, describes a scene of tranquility in centers such as the pediatric hospital “José Luis Miranda” and the gynecological-obstetric hospital “Mariana Grajales.” According to the official text, doctors and nurses work “professionally” amid “total calm,” without any disruptions, with the “certainty of a healthcare system that operates 24 hours a day.”
"While Villa Clara rests, tranquility reigns in its hospitals during the early morning," states the post, which concludes by assuring that the town is "in good hands while it sleeps."
However, the message appeared in a context very different from what it described.
That same night, dozens of Cubans took to the streets of Morón to protest against blackouts, food shortages, and the economic crisis. Videos shared on social media showed pot-banging, chants of “Freedom!” and scenes of intense tension outside the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), where protesters set fire to furniture and political propaganda.
In the midst of that atmosphere, the official announcement regarding the "calm" in hospitals triggered immediate reactions among users.
"That's not peace, it's resignation," wrote an internet user. "There are no patients to care for anymore; now we have to die at home."
Other comments pointed directly to the lack of medications, resources, and medical personnel in the Cuban healthcare system.
"And where are the medications?" asked another user. "Calmness without resources or doctors," wrote someone else. "Of course there's calm: if there's nothing to offer, people won't even go to the hospital," commented another user.
Several Cubans interpreted the post as an attempt to project normalcy amid the crisis the country is experiencing.
"And what is that post about?" questioned someone in the comment thread. "The order to maintain a facade of calm has been given," asserted another.
Some messages also directly linked the post to the protests that took place in Morón. "The fire is in Morón since last night," wrote one user, referring to the disturbances reported in that municipality.
The criticism not only questioned the content of the official message but also the actual condition of the hospitals.
Users reported a lack of hygiene, a shortage of medications, deterioration of the facilities, and increasing distrust among the population towards the healthcare system.
“Hospitals look like ghosts,” wrote one person. “If you go, you have to bring everything: from syringes to medications,” recounted another.
Amid the criticism, some comments also acknowledged the efforts of the healthcare staff who continue to work despite the shortcomings.
"The only ones we should thank are the doctors who perform miracles," pointed out a user.
The publication from the Villa Clara Health Directorate is in addition to other messages shared by government institutional profiles in recent hours, in which they attempt to portray images of normalcy and control following the protests that took place in Morón.
Meanwhile, videos and testimonies continue to circulate on social media that reflect the growing social unrest on the island, fueled by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and the decline of basic services.
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