A Cuban mother known as OschinVarela has taken to Facebook to highlight a troubling issue: street vendors are selling toys, balloons, and sweets at inflated prices directly to sick children inside pediatric hospitals.
Her video, specifically linked to the oncology ward of the Pediatric Hospital in Camagüey, reveals how these vendors exploit vulnerable parents, often struggling financially, during their child's illness.
"There is something happening in pediatric hospitals that needs to be addressed. While many parents are concerned about their child's health, individuals enter these facilities selling toys, treats, and other items," she states in the video.
OschinVarela clarifies that her criticism isn't directed at those trying to earn a living, but rather at their methods: "The issue isn't selling; it's the exorbitant prices they charge."
She gives a specific example of a cookie that would generally cost between 180 and 220 Cuban pesos but was sold to her for 300 pesos in the hospital.
The mother recounts her own experience with her daughter Alma, who underwent a procedure requiring a catheter for a urine culture during their hospital visit.
Upon returning from the procedure, the balloon vendor was still present, and her daughter asked for one again.
When told no, the child pleaded, "Mom, buy me a cheaper one, or else we won't have money for a taxi home, and we'll have to take the bus."
"In the end, I gave in and bought it. I couldn't say no," admits OschinVarela.
She describes the tactic that makes it hard to refuse: "They parade the toys or treats in front of the children, who naturally get excited and ask their parents for them," who at that moment "are dealing with worries, stress, fatigue, and often financial hardship."
"The toughest moment comes when you have to say no to your child, who is ill or undergoing treatment. Often, we end up buying, not because we can afford it, but because of the circumstances," she concludes.
This complaint is not new. In December 2022, Matanzas authorities fined vendors in the local pediatric hospital for "abusive prices," with penalties totaling just 1,500 Cuban pesos, indicating the persistent nature of this issue without a real solution.
The situation unfolds amid a severe crisis in Cuba's pediatric healthcare system, where the infant mortality rate reached 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 2025, more than double the rate from 2018, which was 4.0 per 1,000.
The Ministry of Public Health itself acknowledged that they can only supply 30% of essential medicines, with over 11,000 children awaiting surgical procedures amidst hospital blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day.
Inflation exacerbates the problem: cookies that once cost 25 pesos now sell for 100 pesos, with some packages reaching 350 pesos in 2026, making the price gouging by these vendors even more burdensome within medical centers.
"We're talking about a hospital, not a theme park. Hospitals should prioritize the well-being of children and their families, not exploit their vulnerability," OschinVarela concludes.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Pediatric Hospitals
Why are vendors allowed inside Cuban pediatric hospitals?
Vendors are not officially allowed inside hospitals, but the lack of enforcement and oversight allows them to enter and sell goods at inflated prices, taking advantage of the vulnerable situation of parents with sick children.
What is the current state of Cuba's pediatric healthcare system?
Cuba's pediatric healthcare system is in crisis, with a high infant mortality rate and a significant shortage of essential medicines. Many children are on long waiting lists for surgeries, and frequent power outages exacerbate the situation.
How has inflation affected the cost of goods in Cuba?
Inflation has drastically increased the cost of everyday items in Cuba. For example, cookies that once cost 25 pesos are now priced at 100 pesos, with some items reaching as high as 350 pesos, putting additional financial strain on families.