Dr. Leudis Alfonso Minguía, an intensive care specialist, reported being physically assaulted while on duty at the Intensive Care Unit of the Julio Miguel Aristegui Villamil Hospital in Cárdenas, Matanzas, Cuba.
According to Dr. Minguía and witnesses, the confrontation occurred when a man entered the Intensive Care area, inquiring about the doctor, and attacked him as soon as he came out to meet him.
Photographs shared on social media reveal bruising around Dr. Minguía's left eye, facial swelling, and other injuries to his face, all while he was clad in his blue medical gown.
Several hospital staff had to step in to restrain the attacker, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Dr. Minguía claims that the assault was prompted by remarks he had made earlier regarding the country's condition during a conversation with colleagues.
Reports suggest the attacker could be the husband of a hospital employee, allegedly linked to Cuban law enforcement.
Sources close to the incident noted that after the attack, there were attempts to file charges against Dr. Minguía himself, effectively reversing the roles of victim and aggressor.
So far, neither the hospital administration nor the relevant authorities have provided any official statements about the incident.
The allegation was made public on the Facebook group "Cardenenses," sparking widespread outrage, with hundreds of individuals praising Dr. Minguía as an excellent professional and human being.
Among the comments, community members, patients, and colleagues called for justice and decried the act as political repression. "This is an act of cowardice. The obsession with disproving the truth leads to silencing through violence," wrote one user.
Other comments pointed to a coordinated action: "That was orchestrated. The attacker didn't have the courage to face him equally."
Many users recalled the doctor's dedication and care for their relatives, while others warned of the repercussions for the healthcare system: "This is why there will be fewer professionals every day."
This incident fits a documented pattern of reprisals against Cuban workers who express critical views of the regime. In July 2025, the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) recorded a record 203 violations of freedom of expression in a single month, including 92 arbitrary detentions and 80 threats or psychological attacks attributed to State Security.
In recent months, Cárdenas has witnessed several occurrences highlighting the social order's decline in the area. In April, a nurse's death shocked the community, and in February, a blind retiree died after being assaulted in a bank line.
The Cuban healthcare system is also enduring a severe crisis characterized by a shortage of medicines, overworking, and unpaid wages, placing workers under immense pressure. As one commenter summarized: "Is assaulting medical staff the solution to Cuba's crisis? It only reflects the system's decay."
Cuban Healthcare and Social Issues
What sparked the attack on Dr. Minguía?
The attack on Dr. Minguía was allegedly triggered by comments he made about the country's situation during a conversation with colleagues.
How has the community reacted to the incident?
The incident has caused widespread indignation within the community, with many individuals expressing support for Dr. Minguía and condemning the attack as an act of political repression.
What is the current state of the Cuban healthcare system?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a severe crisis marked by medication shortages, excessive workloads, and unpaid salaries, resulting in extreme pressure on healthcare workers.