Alarming reports have surfaced about the dire conditions faced by psychiatric patients at the chronic mental illness care center "El Viso," located in El Caney, Santiago de Cuba. An independent journalist, Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, shared a video on Facebook showing the emaciated body of a woman lying motionless on a bed.
In the footage, a woman's voice, claiming to be the patient's niece, voices her outrage: "Look at how they treat people here, starving them to death at El Viso... That’s my aunt—they starved her and left her in misery. She's malnourished from hunger," she declared.
The victim, identified as Odalis, suffered from advanced schizophrenia and was placed in the hospital under state orders. "Two days prior, her sister visited and had to argue with the doctor just to see her," revealed a relative known as Mary La CubanaBelga.
The Decaying State of the Institution
The brief yet shocking video reveals a lack of mattresses, hygiene, and visible medical care. Another patient is seen covered with a sheet on a bed, while another lies directly on the floor.
Mary claimed that the food, clothing, and medications the family regularly brought for Odalis were stolen by hospital staff. "Even toothbrushes are taken by the workers—just look at how they leave, loaded with everything they’ve taken," she added.
Despite the family's efforts, Mary admitted they could no longer manage Odalis at home, necessitating her institutionalization. "Unfortunately, we had to leave her there. We couldn't control her anymore! But this system is useless and broken. We don't need anything from the state," she emphasized.
Widespread Neglect
The video’s release prompted others to share similar stories. "I lost an uncle under the same conditions," commented one user. "Elderly homes are no different—they starve them. It's criminal," another added.
A third person highlighted the food shortages, noting that meals pass through many hands and by the time they reach patients, they're inadequate. "Everyone takes the patients' food home," they asserted.
The disturbing scene not only sparked outrage due to its severity but also highlighted the crumbling state of Cuba’s public healthcare system, particularly in psychiatric and geriatric care and for those in vulnerable situations.
Official Silence Amid Humanitarian Collapse
As of now, the Ministry of Public Health has not commented on the incident or the conditions at "El Viso." There are no known investigations or sanctions against those responsible.
The health administration continues its usual practice of concealing, downplaying, or justifying these tragedies, while the populace bears the brunt of a crumbling infrastructure, overworked staff, and systemic corruption.
For years, independent media and patient families have reported shortages of food, medicine, hygiene, and trained personnel in psychiatric hospitals across the nation. What were once dismissed as "isolated incidents" now form a pattern of institutional neglect the government can no longer hide.
Mayeta vowed to continue investigating this tragic incident and the dire hospital conditions affecting psychiatric patients in Santiago de Cuba. "We urge provincial and health authorities to address this tragic situation and provide true, unfiltered images of what we've exposed," he stated.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Psychiatric Care
What are the main issues at "El Viso" psychiatric hospital?
The primary concerns include severe neglect, lack of food and hygiene, theft by staff, and inadequate medical care.
Has the Cuban government responded to the allegations?
As of now, the Ministry of Public Health has not issued a statement nor initiated any investigations regarding the conditions at "El Viso."
How have families of patients reacted to the situation?
Families have expressed frustration and sorrow, sharing similar experiences of neglect and inadequate care in comments and testimonies.