The Julio M. Aristegui Villamil Hospital in Cárdenas, in the province of Matanzas, is facing an electrical failure that has forced the organization of the transfer of intensive care patients to the Faustino Pérez Provincial Hospital in the provincial capital, a measure confirmed this Tuesday by health authorities.
The situation was initially reported on Facebook by activist Christian Arbolaez, who warned that the hospital had been without electricity since early hours and that the backup generator might stop functioning at 7:00 p.m.
According to reports received by Arbolaez, more than seven ambulances had arrived at the healthcare center to assist in the transfer of patients, while the emergency room was completely full.
The activist attributed the service interruption to the failure of an electrical phase and noted that repairs could take at least a week. This timeline, as well as the specific situation regarding the backup plant, has not been confirmed by the authorities.
Later, the General Directorate of Health of Matanzas confirmed the malfunction and the organization of the transfers, through information disseminated by the provincial newspaper Girón.
The authorities explained that, in order to carry out the necessary technical work, it is essential to disconnect the institution's electrical supply, which is why arrangements have been made to transfer the patients in the therapy units to the Faustino Pérez Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital.
The objective, according to the General Directorate of Health, is to ensure the continuity of medical care during repair works and to prevent power outages from compromising the care of critically ill patients.
The organization assured that the Faustino Pérez Hospital has the necessary care and logistical conditions to receive patients, including medications, material resources, and healthcare personnel.
It was also announced that an emergency room will be set up and that pediatric and adult emergency services will be available, with equipment ready to meet the needs of the community.
The General Directorate of Health indicated that a multidisciplinary team is organized to care for the transferred patients and to coordinate their assistance among the health institutions in the province.
However, the official statement did not specify how many patients require transfer, how long the power supply will be interrupted, nor when the repairs will be completed.
To provide information to patients and families, the authorities have made available two phone numbers: the Provincial SIUM Coordination Center, 45 253910, and the Management Office of the Faustino Pérez Hospital, 45 253937.
The situation is especially delicate for intensive care patients, who may rely on mechanical ventilators, monitors, and other medical equipment that require a continuous power supply to function.
"An alarming situation in a hospital where electricity is essential to save lives!" expressed Arbolaez while denouncing what happened.
The Julio M. Aristegui Villamil Hospital had already faced a similar emergency.
In March 2025, during a massive blackout in Cuba, serious patients had to be transferred from that center to other hospitals in Matanzas due to the lack of backup power generation.
On that occasion, according to the provincial newspaper Girón, two patients who needed mechanical ventilation, three pregnant women, and six children with respiratory issues were sent to the Comandante Faustino Pérez Hospital and the Provincial Pediatric Hospital, where areas with electrical supply were available.
The issues with the electrical supply are not limited to this hospital, as they have also led to patient evacuations in healthcare facilities in other provinces of the country.
In April of this year, a power outage in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Unit of the Saturnino Lora Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, forced the evacuation of 12 patients.
The management of that center confirmed that the incident was caused by a voltage overload in the lines supplying the affected rooms, which led to the overheating of the main connection and a temporary disruption of the supply.
The difficulties of the Cárdenas healthcare system are not limited to electricity. In August, Arbolaez himself reported that a polyclinic in Santa Marta lacked the means to measure glucose for a man found unconscious, forcing his companions to search for a glucose meter on their own.
Related videos:
Filed under: