Dr. Tomás, the head of the Intensive Care Unit at Havana's Manuel Fajardo University Clinical Surgical Hospital, was presented with a yellow bicycle as a token of appreciation for his professional accomplishments. This gesture, orchestrated by the "A Cuba hay que quererla" project, incited a wave of outrage and mockery on social media platforms.
The hospital's official page shared photos of the event with the caption: "For Dr. Tomás, a cornerstone of the ICU and a pride of Manuel Fajardo, this bicycle is for his dedicated service and exemplary institutional role."
The project also released a video announcing: "Today we commence the distribution of bicycles to Fajardo's doctors. Dr. Tomás, head of the Intensive Care Unit, was the first recipient. The professor is highly esteemed. More to follow."
Public reaction was swift and overwhelmingly critical, with many expressing disbelief or sarcasm over what they perceived as a laughable reward for a high-ranking specialist.
"A bicycle for a nearly 70-year-old specialist doctor; it’s appreciated, but it’s a joke," commented one user.
Critics also highlighted the practical implications of the award: "Do you really think that after a shift in intensive care, that doctor is going to hop on that bike and pedal across Havana?" questioned another user.
Another pointed out a more painful irony: "Bicycles for doctors and brand new patrol cars for police." A third summed up the general sentiment with a blunt phrase: "It's 2026, and they're still paying with trinkets."
Someone else added with irony: "A bicycle to arrive sweaty and exhausted, only to climb to the fourth floor." Others noted the practical challenges of the gift in present-day Cuba: "Now, besides the usual troubles, he has to find where to pump air without electricity and money to buy spare parts."
Several comments recalled the Special Period of the 1990s, when the regime extensively distributed Chinese bicycles following the collapse of fuel supplies after the Soviet Union fell.
The fact that this gesture is repeated in 2026—now presented as an honorary distinction—is what infuriates Cubans on social media the most.
This incident unfolds amid extreme impoverishment of the medical staff. By 2026, Cuban doctors earn between 10 and 16 dollars monthly on the informal exchange, while a week's basic grocery shopping can cost between 25,000 and 30,000 Cuban pesos, several times a specialist's monthly salary.
The Manuel Fajardo Hospital itself has been the subject of recent complaints: people sleeping on the floor due to transportation shortages, lack of medicines, and deteriorating infrastructure, alongside a fire reported in May 2026 on the hospital's fifth floor.
Another user summed up the irony with: "My God, what joy for a doctor. What they deserve is not just a car, but a spaceship," capturing the sentiment of countless Cubans about the genuine value of medical work on the island and the regime's priorities.
Public Reaction to Bicycle Gift for Doctors in Cuba
Why did the bicycle gift to Dr. Tomás spark outrage?
The bicycle gift was viewed as an inadequate reward for a senior specialist, prompting disbelief and mockery on social media due to its impracticality and the broader context of the struggling healthcare system.
What historical event did the bicycle evoke for some Cubans?
The bicycle reminded many Cubans of the 1990s Special Period when the regime distributed Chinese bicycles after the Soviet collapse led to a fuel crisis.
What are the current economic conditions for Cuban doctors?
As of 2026, Cuban doctors earn between 10 to 16 dollars monthly on the informal market, while basic food costs can far exceed their salaries, highlighting the economic challenges they face.