The Spanish youtuber Juanjo Dalmau, known for his channel Viajando con Dalmau, has shown striking images of one of the main hospitals in the Cuban capital, the Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García".
In a video uploaded to their platform this Friday, the interior of the hospital is shown along with the deplorable hygienic conditions of the wards in one of the most prominent hospitals in Cuba.
"They say that in the past, Cuban healthcare was a source of national pride. Today, it is a nightmare", stated the Spaniard after witnessing the current state of the healthcare institution.
The content creator walked through the hallways, peeked into the waiting rooms and admission areas, and spoke with some doctors about the working conditions, concluding that the place is in decline.
In an interview with a doctor from the emergency service of the polyclinic next to Calixto, where cases are referred to the hospital, the specialist stated that they had the "little things" to work with, but admitted that they accepted help with supplies.
"We have medical supplies, we have medications. There's always help, support is never too much, but well, we have the things here to be able to work," said the doctor to the youtuber.
However, the Spanish speaker explained that when interviewing the doctor, the nurses beside him were denying what he said.
"When I asked if they had everything, he said yes, but out of the corner of my eye, the nurse next to me was saying no, that we don't have everything. But well, I doubt they have everything, to be honest. I don't believe everything is available to the patient," he said.
Having asked another worker, whose face was pixelated to protect her identity, the woman acknowledged that they were experiencing shortages of medications, especially for serious illnesses.
There is no morphine and many other medications for serious illnesses," said the worker, explaining that some drugs arrive through donations, but they are not available in the pharmacy network. "If it weren't for the donations, many patients would not be able to recover."
Upon entering Calixto García, the dirtiness of the hallways and bathrooms was evident. With no water in the sinks or toilets, decay takes over the place. "The bathrooms are disgusting. Everything is filthy. Zero maintenance," she stated.
"Sincerely, this looks more like a war hospital. Mattresses and stretchers in poor condition. There are no ceilings or doors in the rooms. Everyone can see the patient next to them. And worst of all, there's a risk of contagion," was their assessment.
In all instances, the conditions are similar: in the waiting rooms, the seats are broken; in the beds, the mattresses and sheets are dirty. "I've been told that there are bedbugs in many beds and it has led to the death of some patients. They use cardboard to throw garbage on the floor. From syringes to masks."
The youtuber's astonishment grew when he realized that there were no showers for the patients to bathe. "What I have just shown is a small fraction of what the Cuban people are suffering with healthcare."
The Cuban comedy group "Los Pichy Boys" thanked Dalmau for showing the reality of Cuba and criticized the Mexican known as Luisito Comunica for not having showcased the situation facing the population during his recent visit to the island.
"Was it difficult to do this, Luisito Comunica? Bravo to Dalmau for showing the true reality of Cuba and its people. That’s what it means to be a sincere content creator who shows the truth and doesn't hide it like the 'Good Luis' did," they criticized.
Last week, Dalmau shook up social media after posting a video recorded during his visit to Havana, in which he highlighted the urban decay, accumulation of garbage, and institutional neglect in central areas of the Cuban capital.
"Well, here the music is booming, people are happy... but it looks like it's about to fall apart, man. This house, everything is in such a terrible state, so desolate... I just don't know where to record," Dalmau commented as he showed ruined facades, streets littered with waste, and structures that, in his opinion, don't seem livable. "I'll say it again: people live here. This is Havana today. Look at the amount of trash that isn't being picked up," he adds with a look of disbelief.
This material is part of a series of content that Dalmau has shared about his experience in Cuba. Previously, he expressed his astonishment at the risk of collapse of many homes and the food shortages. “The government is not going to do anything for them,” he said at that time after touring cracked houses without basic services.
Frequently asked questions about the health crisis in Cuba
What is the current status of the Calixto García Hospital in Havana?
The Calixto García Hospital is in deplorable conditions. According to the YouTuber Juanjo Dalmau, the facilities exhibit a severe lack of hygiene, with dirty hallways, poorly maintained bathrooms, and a shortage of medical supplies. The current conditions are a reflection of the deterioration of the healthcare system in Cuba.
What does the video by YouTuber Juanjo Dalmau reveal about healthcare in Cuba?
The video by Juanjo Dalmau showcases the decaying reality of Cuban healthcare. In his tour of the Calixto García Hospital, the YouTuber documented the deterioration of the facilities, the lack of basic resources such as medications, and the widespread filth in the medical center. His testimony reveals a health crisis that severely impacts the Cuban population.
How does the shortage of medications affect patients in Cuba?
The scarcity of medications in Cuba puts the lives of many patients at risk. The lack of essential drugs for serious illnesses forces many to rely on donations. According to workers at the Calixto García Hospital, the shortage of medical resources hinders proper care, particularly affecting those suffering from critical illnesses.
What perception do Cuban doctors have about working conditions in hospitals?
Cuban doctors acknowledge the precarious conditions in which they work. Although some professionals claim to have the "basic materials" needed for their work, other testimonies, including those from nurses, contradict these assertions, pointing to the lack of essential supplies and the deterioration of working conditions in the hospitals.
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