A newborn had to be carried up the stairs at the Hijas de Galicia hospital in Havana because the facility's elevator was out of service. This incident was captured on video and shared on social media by a user named Valeri Havana. "Cuba, how long, my God, how long," she lamented while posting the video, which showed the baby cradled in a nurse's arms as they ascended the hospital's stairs. "Welcome Manuel Orlando," she later added, accompanied by several photos of the newborn wrapped up safely.
The situation gained further attention when Cuban influencer Edmundo Dantés Junior shared the video on his profile, expressing his shock with the caption: "Newborn carried up stairs due to broken elevator at hospital. Doctors and nurses are saving lives under the worst conditions," he stated, admitting he was left speechless and hoping the baby was okay.
According to Dantés' later post, "Baby Manuel Orlando is doing well. His aunt posted after witnessing the newborn being carried up the stairs due to the hospital's malfunctioning elevator. In her post, she thanked the medical staff, clarifying that this doesn't make her a communist. Doctors and nurses in Cuba are working with almost nothing," he praised.
This incident has sparked numerous reactions on social media, not only criticizing the healthcare system and its deficiencies but also recognizing the dedication of healthcare workers and sending well wishes to the infant. A user remarked, "Pregnant women have to climb those stairs to give birth. If they're unlucky, they might deliver on the way," suggesting that the hospital's elevator has been out of service for an extended period.
Similar cases have occurred across the country. At the José Ramón López Tabrane Hospital in Matanzas, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life due to an obstetric hemorrhage and was transported by the Fire Brigade because the elevator was non-operational. In Guantánamo's Agostinho Neto Hospital, elevators were out of order for over two weeks, hindering the movement of patients, supplies, and even the deceased.
These incidents highlight a longstanding crisis in Cuba's hospital infrastructure, where the lack of maintenance and basic equipment continues to jeopardize patient safety and the efforts of healthcare professionals.
Understanding the Healthcare Challenges in Cuba
What caused the newborn to be carried up the stairs in the hospital?
The newborn was carried up the stairs because the hospital's elevator was not functioning.
How has the public reacted to the incident at the hospital?
The public has reacted with criticism towards the healthcare system's inadequacies and also with praise for the healthcare workers' dedication.
Are there other hospitals in Cuba facing similar issues?
Yes, other hospitals in Cuba, like the José Ramón López Tabrane in Matanzas and Agostinho Neto in Guantánamo, have also faced similar elevator malfunctions.