Juanjo Dalmau, a Spanish YouTuber famed for his channel "Viajando con Dalmau," has unveiled shocking footage from inside Havana's renowned University Hospital "General Calixto García." In a video released this past Friday, Dalmau exposes the grim state of hygiene and facilities in one of Cuba's key medical institutions, sparking concern over the country's health system.
Reflecting on the current conditions, Dalmau remarked, "They say Cuban healthcare was once a national pride. Today, it is nothing short of a nightmare." The content creator walked through the hospital's corridors, peered into wards, and spoke with medical staff, ultimately concluding that the facility is in a state of severe decline.
The Harsh Reality Inside Calixto García
While speaking with a doctor from the adjoining polyclinic's emergency service, where patients are referred to Calixto García, the physician claimed they had the necessary "basics" to work but welcomed additional supplies. "We have dressing materials, we have medications. Extra help is always appreciated, but we manage with what we have," he told Dalmau.
However, as Dalmau interviewed the doctor, nurses nearby contradicted his claims. "When I asked if they had everything they needed, he said yes, but the nurse next to me shook her head no. It's doubtful they have everything, honestly. I don't believe all necessary resources are available to the patients," Dalmau explained.
He also spoke with another staff member, whose face was blurred to protect her identity. She acknowledged a shortage of medications, especially for severe illnesses. "There’s no morphine and many other drugs for critical diseases," she noted, mentioning that donations often fill these gaps, as these medications are not found in the pharmacy network. "Without these donations, many patients wouldn't make it."
Appalling Conditions and Public Outcry
Upon entering the hospital, Dalmau was struck by the dirtiness of the hallways and restrooms. "The bathrooms are disgusting. No water in the sinks or toilets; filth is everywhere. Zero maintenance," he described.
He likened the hospital to a "war zone," with dilapidated mattresses and gurneys, and rooms lacking ceilings or doors, leaving patients exposed. "The worst part is the risk of infections," he noted.
Throughout the facility, similar dismal conditions were evident: broken seats in waiting rooms, filthy mattresses and sheets on beds. "I've been told some beds are infested with bedbugs, causing fatalities in some cases. Garbage is tossed onto the floor, including syringes and masks," Dalmau reported, shocked to discover there were no showers available for patient use. "What I showed is just a small glimpse of the suffering the Cuban people endure in healthcare."
Cultural Commentary and Criticism
Cuban comedy group "Los Pichy Boys" expressed gratitude to Dalmau for exposing Cuba's harsh reality. They reproached Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica for not highlighting the population's plight during his recent visit to the island. "Was it difficult to do this, Luisito Comunica? Kudos to Dalmau for showing the true reality of Cuba and its people. That's what being an honest content creator looks like, not hiding the truth as 'Good Guy Luis' did," they criticized.
Last week, Dalmau stirred social media by posting a video from his trip to Havana, where he criticized urban decay, trash accumulation, and institutional neglect in the city's central areas. "Music blasting, people happy... but it looks like it could all collapse, man. This house, everything is so extreme, so desolate... I don't know where to film," he remarked, showcasing crumbling facades, garbage-strewn streets, and seemingly uninhabitable structures. "I repeat: people live here. This is Havana today. Look at the amount of trash that isn't being picked up," he added in disbelief.
This video is part of a series where Dalmau shares his experiences in Cuba, previously expressing shock at the risk of building collapses and food shortages. "The government won't do anything for them," he said after observing cracked homes lacking basic services.
Frequently Asked Questions about the State of Cuban Healthcare
What did Juanjo Dalmau reveal about the Calixto García Hospital?
Dalmau exposed the dire conditions of the hospital, including poor hygiene, lack of resources, and inadequate facilities, likening it to a "war zone."
How did the medical staff react to Dalmau's questions?
While a doctor claimed they had essential supplies, nurses contradicted his statement, indicating a shortage of resources.
What was the public reaction to Dalmau's video?
Cuban comedy group "Los Pichy Boys" praised Dalmau for his honesty and criticized other content creators for failing to show Cuba's true situation.