Horse Strolls Through Hospital in Sagua la Grande in Bizarre Incident

In a scene straight out of a surreal movie, the "Mártires del 9 de Abril" hospital in Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara, witnessed an extraordinary event when a man on horseback managed to bypass security and ride through the main hallway of the healthcare facility. A video shared by activist Diasniurka Salcedo on social media captures a young man leading the horse calmly through the hospital, much to the astonishment of staff and patients alike.

It's important to note that the individual in the video was not the owner of the horse but rather a hospital employee tasked with escorting the animal out. According to Radio Sagua, the unusual event took place last Saturday afternoon. Dr. Yara Díaz, the hospital director, recounted that the horse's owner, who appeared visibly intoxicated, rode into the admission area before reaching the cafeteria near the outpatient clinics. It was there that hospital security, along with several nurses, managed to intercept the rider.

Despite his aggressive threats, the man was eventually dismounted and detained without any injuries or property damage. After evaluation, it was confirmed that he was not suffering from hypoglycemia, only alcohol intoxication. Dr. Díaz emphasized the incident’s disruption to hospital operations and the potential risk to patient safety. Law enforcement officials arrested the man and took him to the nearest station for legal processing.

The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions about the hospital's security protocols. Many questioned the apparent lack of guards, asking, "Was there no security at the entrance? How did he manage to ride down the hallway?" Others called for stricter penalties, suggesting that the horse be confiscated, a hefty fine imposed, and that the individual be sentenced to community service at the hospital.

A nurse highlighted a broader issue, noting that healthcare workers frequently face disrespect and threats from those visiting clinics and hospitals. "We need to address these behaviors because many of us are making tremendous efforts, considering the current shortages in our country, to provide care with compassion and dignity," she stated.

Yet, some found humor in the event, joking that the horse was there for a check-up, vaccinations, or treatment for a sore leg, mistaking the hospital for a veterinary clinic. A local resident quipped, "It's not surprising when we're often treated like animals whenever we're sick."

On a more serious note, a user named Yeni Sosa, who identified herself as a relative of the detainee, claimed he is a psychiatric patient at the hospital, suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder and childhood trauma. She shared that two years ago, he survived a suicide attempt. "He lives just behind the hospital; he didn't come from afar to harm anyone. Who knows what went through his mind to ride into the hospital," she explained.

Yeni urged for understanding and compassion, asserting, "He's not a criminal and has never committed any crime; we all make mistakes. He didn't harm anyone or damage anything. (...) He's well-liked by everyone who knows him, so focus on worse issues that go unmentioned," she criticized.