A man managed to infiltrate the Maternal Hospital in Camagüey, disguised as an on-call doctor. He navigated two wards and reached the pregnant women's section, where he conducted examinations on several expectant mothers before leaving without arousing suspicion. This incident, which took place a few months ago, has been validated by both family members and healthcare staff. Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada brought the alarming security lapses at the facility to light.
According to various accounts, the impostor, donned in a doctor's coat, toured two wards and eventually made his way to the maternity floor. Initially, he operated in Ward E and subsequently in Ward A, where some patients noticed something was off as he made his exit. Shortly after, he was apprehended while attempting to enter the Oncology Hospital, still dressed as a doctor.
Hospital staff explained that no one questioned him because "the personnel is always changing," and there were no guards to monitor entry. "Security at this hospital is non-existent," admitted one employee. Nurses on duty assumed he was a new physician.
Hospital sources indicated that this was not his first time breaching the facility; he had apparently used this method to steal cell phones, fans, and other equipment. "This time, it seems he got caught up and decided to pose as a doctor in front of the pregnant women," a worker told Tan Estrada.
The incident exposed serious vulnerabilities in entry controls, credential verification, and surveillance in sensitive areas such as maternity. While no additional injuries or disciplinary actions were reported, the episode sparked concern over patient safety in a critical service.
Several months prior, a similar tale emerged from Havana, where a con artist posed as a relative of a critically ill patient to gain the trust of other families in hospitals and subsequently steal their belongings. The man claimed that his mother was gravely ill and that he was facing financial hardships, evoking sympathy from those who listened.
Meanwhile, in Holguín, a woman posed as a nurse to rent out birthing beds.
Security Concerns in Cuban Hospitals
What security lapses were revealed at the Camagüey hospital?
The incident highlighted significant security lapses, including inadequate entry controls, lack of credential verification, and insufficient surveillance in sensitive areas like maternity wards.
How did the man manage to impersonate a doctor?
The man wore a doctor's coat and moved through the hospital without being questioned, as the staff frequently changes and there were no security personnel monitoring access.
Were there any previous incidents involving impersonators in Cuban hospitals?
Yes, in Havana, a scammer posed as a relative of a patient to steal from other families, and in Holguín, a woman pretended to be a nurse to rent out birthing beds.