The Faustino Pérez Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Matanzas publicly addressed this Monday the circulation of photographs showing detached false ceiling panels and debris scattered among the beds in its Orthopedics ward, accusing those who shared the images on social media of "manipulation" and "a smear campaign."
The report was published on Facebook by independent communicator Christian Arbolaez, who shared the condition of the first cubicle in the Orthopedics room along with a photograph that shows the deteriorated ceiling and debris on the floor. "The false ceiling is falling apart, and some of its panels remain scattered on the floor, among the beds and medical equipment," Arbolaez wrote.
The content creator added that "this situation has been unresolved for weeks. The most outrageous part is that they haven't even bothered to clear the debris. Meanwhile, the beds remain under a deteriorating structure, with the danger of more pieces of the ceiling continuing to fall."
Arbolaez also questioned: "How is it possible for a hospital meant to care for people's health to be in such a state of neglect? We are not talking about an abandoned building, but rather a healthcare institution."
The institutional response came through the official Periódico Girón, which exclusively contacted Renier Oramas Grillo, head of General Services at the hospital. According to Oramas Grillo, the collapse occurred last Friday, October 30, in the first cubicle of Room N of the Orthopedics Service, caused by intense wind gusts that entered through a window along with heavy rains. The second cubicle also showed signs of damage, acknowledged the executive.
"It is important to contextualize that the images show the consequences of this incident in a defined area and do not represent the general conditions of the room. This involves sudden material damage associated with the inclement weather, the magnitude and consequences of which are being addressed by the hospital," stated Oramas Grillo.
According to Girón, "in light of the manipulation of the facts, Oramas Grillo expressed gratitude for the understanding of patients, families, and staff, and reiterated the institution's commitment to informational transparency and timely communication."
The official assured that medical services were not interrupted and that the staff had been working since the moment of the incident on debris removal and damage assessment. He also urged to "contextualize the facts and verify information before sharing images or comments, to contribute to responsible communication and avoid interpretations that may cause unnecessary concern."
The official hospital account reproduced the official statement on Christian Arbolaez’s page, where he expressed gratitude for the response but noted: "I find it noteworthy that it was necessary to make a photograph public for explanations about the conditions of that room to now be provided. You are confirming that the false ceiling collapsed and that there is a second cubicle with damage. So, what part of what I published is false?"
"They talk to me about contextualizing the facts and verifying the information. Perfect. For that very reason, I ask you: can you show current photographs of both cubicles and the work you claim to be carrying out? When will the repairs be completed? What measures have been taken to ensure there is no danger to patients and workers?" he questioned.
"And something else: informing about the conditions of a public hospital is not creating unnecessary concern. The concern is generated by collapsing roofs, not the photographs that help us understand what has happened. My intention is not to discredit the medical staff, who do a lot by working under difficult conditions. My intention is to highlight the deficiencies that affect those who need medical attention."
"If there is indeed a commitment to transparency as they claim, I hope they will answer these questions with the same willingness they have shown in justifying what happened. Because hospitals do not need their image defended. They need their roofs repaired," he concluded.
Despite attempts to justify the situation, hospitals in Cuba have been in decline for years. The day before, part of the front structure of the Carlos Enrique Font Pupo Hospital in Banes, Holguín, collapsed after months of warnings about its deterioration.
In October 2026, the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital in Matanzas denied its collapse in response to similar complaints on social media, and in October 2025, the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital in Cienfuegos urged people to "not be manipulated" in light of reports of leaks and deterioration. Faustino Pérez himself had suspended elective surgeries in February 2026 due to a lack of resources and dependence on generators.
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