A church in Santiago de Cuba has once again organized a free medical care day with donated medications, in an initiative that highlights the increasing dependence on community aid in light of the crisis in the healthcare system on the island.
The activity was promoted by the San Juan Methodist Church as part of the project "The Beloved Doctor," as explained on Facebook by Pastor Darlon Bermúdez, who emphasized that it is a completely independent initiative.
"It is a purely Christian project with no coordination with the authorities," stated Bermúdez, who was also one of the organizers of the first delivery of this initiative, held last February.
During this second day, dozens of healthcare professionals associated with the congregation provided consultations under makeshift tents, while distributing medications donated by collaborators both inside and outside the country.
Since the afternoon, a crowd gathered at the location in search of medical attention, mostly vulnerable individuals, the elderly, retirees, and citizens without regular access to healthcare or medication.
In a video shared by the pastor himself, the scale of the demand is evident, with long lines of patients and multiple consultation stations in operation.
"We are going to assist as many people as possible," affirmed Bermúdez, while showcasing the work of the medical staff.
The organizer emphasized that the priority was given to individuals without shelter, those living on the streets, or those facing difficulties in accessing the healthcare system, although assistance was also provided to other citizens who came out of necessity.
The event lasted several hours and saw the gradual addition of more specialists, including doctors from various specialties who joined voluntarily.
According to Bermúdez, the project's goal is to alleviate the suffering of the population amid the current shortages.
"We do it with love, with what we have," he stated, while expressing his intention to carry out these actions more frequently.
Such initiatives have become increasingly common in Cuba, where the scarcity of medications, the deterioration of hospitals, and the lack of resources compel religious communities and citizens to take on roles that previously belonged to the state health system.
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