Eleven days have passed since young Luis Michel, a resident of Cárdenas in Matanzas province, fractured his arm. Despite the urgency, his treatment remains incomplete because the hospital lacks the necessary orthopedic plaster. This alarming situation was brought to light on Thursday by journalist Christian Arbolaez on Facebook, where he also issued a plea for assistance to obtain the material.
Arbolaez recounted that the child suffered a fall on October 18, resulting in fractures to both bones in his arm. His mother, Yusimí, rushed him to the Cárdenas hospital, only to be informed by a doctor that although a fracture was suspected, no physicians were available to treat him, nor were there any x-ray machines operational.
Facing these challenges, Yusimí had no choice but to personally transport her son to the city of Matanzas, carrying him to secure an x-ray and medical attention.
Plaster Shortage Blocks Treatment Progress
When the family returned to the hospital for a scheduled plaster change, they were confronted with another refusal. "There was also no plaster at the hospital," Arbolaez reported. "They were told to purchase it on the street and bring it so it could be applied."
Arbolaez expressed his frustration: "It's unbelievable that a child with a broken arm cannot receive such basic medical care due to a lack of resources. Initially, there were no x-rays available in Cárdenas, and now there's no plaster to continue his treatment."
He appealed for aid: "If anyone has access to orthopedic plaster or knows where to find the materials needed for Luis Michel, please contact us to assist his mother, Yusimí."
Widespread Healthcare Challenges
Numerous individuals online shared similar experiences. One user recounted a comparable ordeal: "It's astonishing how casually they say there's no x-ray film or the equipment is broken, and once you finally get an x-ray, they tell you there's no plaster." Another person summarized the dire situation: "Hospitals have nothing, but you can find it on the street."
This isn't the first report of the deteriorating conditions at Julio M. Aristegui Villamil Hospital in Cárdenas. Back in May 2026, an anonymous doctor reported that patients needed to bring their own basic supplies, and the facility was unable to perform CT scans, MRIs, or Doppler ultrasounds. Just a few weeks ago, the same hospital faced power supply issues, potentially leading to patient transfers.
In January 2023, singer Ariadna Machado left a Havana hospital without plaster, only securing it after publicly denouncing her case. In August 2025, a child in Holguín with a clavicle fracture was given only temporary plaster while his surgery was delayed due to resource shortages.
Health Infrastructure in Crisis
Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda acknowledged to deputies in July 2025 that the availability of essential medications hovered between 30% and 32%. By May 2026, according to UN data, over 100,000 patients—including more than 11,000 children—were waiting for surgeries postponed due to blackouts and lack of supplies.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Crisis
Why is there a shortage of medical supplies in Cuba?
Cuba faces a healthcare crisis due to economic constraints, government mismanagement, and a lack of resources, resulting in shortages of essential medical supplies such as plaster and medications.
How are families coping with the lack of medical supplies?
Families often have to purchase medical supplies on the street or rely on public appeals for help, as hospitals frequently lack the necessary materials for treatment.
What has the Cuban government said about the healthcare shortages?
Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda admitted to low availability of essential medications and acknowledged ongoing issues in the healthcare system, impacting both patients and medical staff.