A Spanish tourist's dream vacation in Cuba turned into a nightmare when he was admitted to a Villa Clara hospital in critical condition, following two emergency surgeries and a dire shortage of necessary antibiotics to save his life. Pedro Daniel Bernad, a 51-year-old resident of Épila, Zaragoza, arrived in Cuba on October 3rd to enjoy his holiday. However, a week into his stay, on October 10th, he fell ill at his hotel and was rushed to the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Clinical Hospital in Santa Clara.
Bernad suffered from a volvulus, a severe intestinal twisting, which led to complications requiring him to undergo surgery twice. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Cuban hospital, facing a critical situation compounded by post-operative complications and pneumonia. His brother-in-law, Daniel Mosteo, shared these details with Spanish media outlets.
Family's Desperate Efforts for Medical Supplies
Alarmed by Bernad's condition, Mosteo and his wife, Bernad's sister, traveled to Cuba to monitor his progress closely. Upon arriving at the Santa Clara hospital, they encountered a distressing situation: a lack of essential antibiotics for Bernad's treatment and the institution's poor material and hygienic conditions.
Mosteo told El Periódico de Aragón that Bernad's condition worsened on Sunday following another intestinal complication, necessitating colistin, an antibiotic unavailable at the hospital. Through the help of "friends and contacts," they managed to acquire part of the needed medication, yet it only covers two out of the required seven days of treatment.
Obstacles in Repatriation Efforts
The family is making urgent efforts to repatriate Bernad to Spain and has sought assistance from the Spanish consulate in Havana. However, support from the Consulate General of Spain has fallen short in arranging an air ambulance for Bernad's return, a critical request from the family. Both the tourist's travel insurance and the diplomatic mission denied the proposal to fly him home.
Mosteo explained, "Since we couldn't bring him back to our country, we suggested flying the necessary medication here in a medicalized plane. But the cost, about 300,000 euros, was prohibitive, and our proposal was rejected." The Spanish embassy informed the family that official repatriation is only considered during collective emergencies.
Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
At present, Bernad's travel insurance is covering all hospitalization expenses, Mosteo noted, mentioning that Bernad is scheduled to be transferred to a Havana hospital on Tuesday. He remarked that while the Santa Clara hospital has skilled professionals, its resources are severely limited. "Today, Daniel will be moved to a more advanced hospital in Havana, hopefully," he added optimistically.
Bernad's relatives have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to gather support from individuals and organizations for his dire situation. The cause of Bernad's illness in Cuba and his hotel location remain undisclosed.
This incident draws attention to other negative experiences of foreign visitors who have suffered due to Cuba's inadequate healthcare facilities, often facing insufficient medical care, a lack of medications, and substandard conditions. Cuba is grappling with a severe economic crisis, which has significantly impacted the tourism sector, leading to shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, along with rising crime rates. Several governments have cautioned their citizens about the potential dangers of traveling to the island.
According to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), as of August 2025, the country received 1,791,363 visitors, a 15.7% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. Of these, 1,259,972 were international tourists, marking a decline of 347,896 visitors from 2024, clearly indicating the sector's downturn.
Challenges for Tourists in Cuba
Why did Pedro Daniel Bernad's condition become critical in Cuba?
Bernad's condition turned critical after he suffered from a volvulus, leading to complications that required two surgeries. Post-operative issues and pneumonia further worsened his state.
What challenges did Bernad's family face in Cuba?
Bernad's family encountered a lack of essential antibiotics and inadequate hospital conditions. They also struggled to arrange for his repatriation due to high costs and insufficient support from the consulate and insurance.
How is the economic crisis in Cuba affecting tourists?
Cuba's economic crisis has led to shortages in essential services such as healthcare, food, and fuel. This has adversely impacted the tourism sector, deterring visitors and raising safety concerns.