Jorge Losada, a highly esteemed 91-year-old Cuban actor, experienced a significant health crisis on Tuesday, necessitating an urgent trip to Calixto García Hospital in Havana. This ordeal was detailed on Facebook by art director Luis Lacosta, who recounted the distressing moments endured by the artist's family and friends as they struggled to secure an ambulance.
Lacosta reported that after a grueling three-hour effort, a service 104 (population attention) official finally intervened, successfully dispatching an ambulance to Losada's residence. The transport was executed by a Red Cross team skilled in moving patients from upper floors, a task that proved impossible for family members due to Losada's weight and limited mobility.
"Upon arrival at the hospital, we were met with exceptional care. The attending doctor, who clearly wasn't Cuban based on her accent, displayed remarkable professionalism and quickly addressed the actor's urgent medical needs," Lacosta stated.
However, returning home posed another challenge. The hospital's security staff refused to provide an ambulance for the return journey, citing fears of potential night-time assaults. "They instructed us to place the patient on a stretcher and wait until morning," Lacosta reported.
Thanks to the persistence of those present at the hospital and the cooperation of a second ambulance team willing to transport him, Losada was eventually able to return home and rest after what Lacosta likened to a solved "Mission Impossible" scene.
In recent years, Jorge Losada's health has necessitated extensive community support, including campaigns to supply food, medication, blood, and a shower chair. In July, Lacosta refuted rumors of the actor's death by sharing a photograph of him looking in good spirits.
Jorge Losada is a legendary figure in Cuban film and television, dedicating decades to national culture. His current struggles highlight the deficiencies of the Cuban healthcare system, where even public figures encounter significant hurdles in accessing essential emergency services.
Challenges in the Cuban Healthcare System
What health issue did Jorge Losada experience?
Jorge Losada suffered a health decompensation that required urgent medical attention at Calixto García Hospital in Havana.
Who helped arrange the ambulance for Losada?
A service 104 official eventually helped arrange the ambulance after a prolonged effort by the family and friends.
What were the obstacles in returning Losada home?
The hospital's security staff refused to provide an ambulance for the return trip, fearing assaults, and suggested waiting until the morning.