A family business donated 50 boxes of natural fruit juices to the provincial pediatric hospital of Las Tunas, in a gesture that highlights how the Cuban healthcare system even relies on the much-criticized private sector to meet basic needs for hospitalized children.
A report from the official digital site Tiempo 21 indicated this Friday that the Tienda Los Reyes, which has been in operation for a year and a half, delivered the products directly to the center's management.
David Reyes Martínez, one of the members of the private business, led the delegation during the meeting with hospital authorities.
"In the current context of difficulties with the supplies of baby food, mainly for children under two years old, we did not have the product available and we are addressing the issue with the help of non-state actors and independent producers, who provide us with the fruit through donations or purchases," stated Yaneisi Salinas Medina, director of the hospital institution.
Salinas described the contribution as "invaluable assistance" and also thanked the support of non-governmental organizations that have provided supplies and medication throughout this year.
At the beginning of the year, the provincial pediatric hospital Mártires de Las Tunas received a donation from the Canary Network of Solidarity with Cuba, highlighting a reliance on external support that has deepened month by month.
"Solidarity is urgently needed in the current situation, which is so difficult for the population, especially for those in large and important institutions like this one that caters to children," explained Camila de Los Ángeles García Matos, a medical student and representative from Los Reyes.
García added that the initiative had already delivered cleaning products to the maternity home of the Gustavo Aldereguía polyclinic and that the intention is to maintain regular donations.
"While it is within our power, we will assist several institutions (...) we aim to be systematic, even if it's not in large volumes, because every bit of help counts in alleviating these times," he emphasized.
The hospital director indicated that the center is open to negotiating with non-state actors within the framework of the 176 economic transformations approved in June, although on the condition that the food is certified in advance by health inspectors, the source pointed out.
In June, a private company from Sancti Spíritus delivered diapers to hospitals and homes for elderly individuals. That same month, a private worker from Matanzas donated an electric tricycle to transport dialysis patients.
This Friday, a private business opened the first Community Food Home in the province of Ciego de Ávila.
The Food Monitor Program reported in April that almost 97% of the Cuban population lacked adequate access to food, and that more than 100,000 children did not receive their daily ration of milk.
The Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged in February that the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
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