In Santiago de Cuba, Yadira Serrano, an independent journalist working for CubaNet and mother to a three-year-old, has publicly criticized the deteriorating Cuban healthcare system and the regime's lack of response following the deaths of at least two children from suspected unidentified viruses in the eastern province.
In a video shared on social media, Serrano expressed her fears: “I'm afraid for my son… children here are dying from these viruses.”
The reporter recounted the heartbreaking story of a one-year and two-month-old girl who died at the North Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. Initially treated for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, she was sent home with a diagnosis of “moderate dehydration” after receiving a 30% dextrose solution. Tragically, she was re-admitted in critical condition and did not survive.
“The parents reported the death, but as always, nothing will come of it. Among healthcare professionals, they cover for each other, falsifying analyses and results,” Serrano stated, visibly upset.
Alarming Shortages in Cuban Healthcare
Serrano painted a grim picture of the conditions in hospitals and clinics in the eastern region. Doctors are barely able to provide diagnoses due to a severe shortage of basic supplies and laboratory reagents, leading to thousands of cases being recorded merely as “suspected virus.”
She highlighted the main deficiencies facing patients in Santiago de Cuba:
- Absence of reagents for clinical tests
- Lack of physiological and rehydration solutions
- No pulmonary ventilators available
- Shortage of basic medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children are unavailable in pharmacies
- Regular fumigation protocols and epidemiological controls are not in place
According to Serrano, doctors are forced to:
- Rely solely on visual observation for diagnosis
- Label reports with “suspected virus” without confirmatory tests
- Observe patients for 48 to 72 hours without treatment
- Avoid documenting medical negligence to “avoid accountability”
In such a dire context, Serrano questions: “Why do people even go to the hospital? To waste time? There's nothing there. They're just waiting for us all to die.”
Child Mortality and Malnutrition: “Cuban Bodies Can’t Withstand a Virus”
Serrano argued that inadequate nutrition exacerbates viral illnesses among Cuban children. “Cubans are so deteriorated, so malnourished, that they can't even withstand a virus. Elsewhere, chikungunya rarely kills, but here it’s causing more harm than COVID-19.”
She also stressed that the lack of protection extends to all levels. “There’s no way to safeguard children. Even buying on the black market is risky because you don’t know the origin of the vitamins or medications. A small bottle of vitamin C costs 3,000 pesos, and a suspension of paracetamol goes for 2,500.”
Urgent Call for International Intervention
Serrano issued a desperate plea for “urgent humanitarian intervention” from the WHO and PAHO, stating that the Cuban healthcare system “has completely collapsed.”
“The Cuban government is incapable of combating a virus. Children are dying, and they will continue to die because they are malnourished and lack access to medical care. This cannot go on.”
Serrano sent a message to Cuban parents: “Protect your children. Ask questions, demand answers. Don’t assume they’re safe in a hospital because we’ve seen that they’re not.”
Last week, the Ministry of Public Health acknowledged that Cuba is amidst a chikungunya epidemic. However, Dr. C. Osvaldo Castro Peraza from the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK) assured that the crisis “will pass” and one day be “a story to tell.”
This statement has frustrated those enduring the health emergency without medicines, clear information, or resources to tackle it, amidst constant power outages and severe water shortages, which are crucial for hydrating the sick and maintaining hygiene.
Dr. Francisco Durán, Director of Epidemiology, reported that over 31,000 suspected chikungunya cases have been confirmed and last week there were 95 patients in intensive care, 63 of whom were under 18, with 34 children in critical condition.
Citizens dispute official reports, claiming they visit hospitals but are not tested for the virus affecting them, suggesting that the infection numbers may be far more alarming than the Ministry of Public Health reports.
The accounts of mothers like Yadira Serrano reflect the growing desperation amid a collapsed and resource-starved healthcare system.
Key Questions on Cuba's Healthcare Collapse
What are the main issues facing the healthcare system in Santiago de Cuba?
The healthcare system in Santiago de Cuba is facing severe shortages in medical supplies, laboratory reagents, and basic medications. Physicians are often unable to provide proper diagnoses or treatments due to these deficiencies.
How is malnutrition affecting Cuban children during the viral outbreak?
Malnutrition is worsening viral illnesses among Cuban children, as their weakened conditions make it difficult for them to fight off infections. The lack of adequate nutrition is a significant factor in the severity of the health crisis.