An individual believed to be a serial thief was apprehended on Sunday while attempting yet another theft at the South Children's Hospital "Dr. Antonio María Béguez César," commonly referred to as La Colonia, in Santiago de Cuba.
Although this time the suspect was caught before managing to steal anything, eyewitnesses reported to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada that he had previously succeeded in taking mobile phones from patients' relatives.
Identified by locals as Dennis, the suspect is a resident of the nearby Chicharrones neighborhood, according to Mayeta. His sources indicate that this is not the first time Dennis has been formally arrested by the authorities.
"This incident raises serious concerns about security measures in hospitals, particularly pediatric facilities where families are especially vulnerable as they care for hospitalized children," Mayeta noted.
"The community is left wondering why, despite previous arrests, he is allowed to return to the streets and continue these offenses. It begs the question: How much longer will authorities permit repeat offenders to infiltrate a children's hospital without implementing effective security measures to protect our children and their families?" the journalist questioned.
In the midst of Cuba’s severe crisis, criminals now show no respect even for hospitals.
Last December, a stolen oxygen tank was ceremoniously returned by police to a hospital. The incident took place at the Fe del Valle Hospital in the Manzanillo municipality, Granma province, where a critical oxygen cylinder was stolen and later recovered by the Revolutionary National Police (PNR).
Additionally, in July, authorities apprehended a nurse at the Celia Sánchez Manduley Hospital in Manzanillo, Granma province. She was caught red-handed attempting to leave the facility with stolen pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during her shift, as reported by sources linked to the Ministry of the Interior.
Security Concerns in Cuban Hospitals
What security issues are hospitals in Cuba facing?
Cuban hospitals are increasingly experiencing theft, including incidents of stolen medical supplies and personal belongings of patients' families, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures.
How have authorities responded to thefts in Cuban hospitals?
Authorities have made arrests in response to thefts, such as the apprehension of a nurse caught with stolen medical supplies and the return of a stolen oxygen tank by police, indicating efforts to address these security breaches.