Cuban hospitals are operating under conditions akin to those of a war-torn nation, where suspended surgeries, malfunctioning medical equipment, and power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day exacerbate an already dire healthcare crisis.
According to a report by El Nuevo Herald, the shortage of fuel and extended power cuts have forced the suspension of all non-emergency surgeries, leaving X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan machines idle due to the unreliable electricity supply.
Doctors interviewed by the publication highlighted that, with essential diagnostic technologies rendered unusable, they are compelled to rely predominantly on traditional clinical methods.
One physician took to social media to express that the Guillermo Domínguez Hospital in Puerto Padre lacks even a functioning electrocardiogram to ensure basic safety for on-call staff.
This situation arises against the backdrop of widespread medication shortages and the decline of healthcare infrastructure.
The report paints a picture of hospitals with darkened corridors, limited services, and nearly empty wards due to halted regular procedures and the lack of patient transport.
Dr. Antonio Guedes, author of "From Words to Action: The Legend of Cuban Healthcare 1902-2024", warns that the current crisis has both immediate and long-term repercussions.
He explained that treatable diseases such as cancer, heart, and lung conditions are worsening without timely care, leading to an increase in preventable deaths.
The energy crisis, worsened by disrupted oil supplies, has affected not only hospital care but also essential services like transportation, waste collection, and water supply, heightening epidemiological risks.
Dr. Julio César Alfonso, president of the organization Solidarity Without Borders, described the healthcare situation as the worst in the nation's history.
"It's not that the system is going to collapse—it's already collapsed," he told the media outlet, warning that without urgent intervention, many patients may face irreversible consequences.
Meanwhile, healthcare professionals are working under increasingly difficult conditions, facing extended blackouts, shortages of supplies, and a growing demand for medical attention from a population that is becoming ever more vulnerable.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Healthcare Crisis
What are the main challenges facing Cuban hospitals currently?
Cuban hospitals are dealing with prolonged power outages, a shortage of medical supplies, malfunctioning equipment, and a decline in healthcare infrastructure.
How is the energy crisis affecting healthcare in Cuba?
The energy crisis has resulted in extended blackouts that disrupt medical procedures and diagnostics, leading to a reliance on traditional clinical methods and an increase in preventable health complications.