In a recent event at El Calvario Baptist Church located at Reina #158 in Central Havana, both American and Cuban doctors provided free medical services to churchgoers and local residents. This Health and Evangelism Day was documented on Facebook by David Espinosa, a photographer and member of the congregation.
Volunteers from Global Health Outreach (GHO) traveled from the United States to join members of the Baptist Medical Fellowship of Cuba. Wearing medical uniforms and identification badges, these healthcare professionals attended to numerous individuals, primarily elderly community members.
Despite a power outage that occurred during the program, the medical services continued uninterrupted. Espinosa noted, "Not even the blackout that hit us as the program began could stop these brothers," emphasizing the volunteers' dedication and resilience amid logistical challenges faced during their visit to Cuba.
The event paid tribute to Dr. Tomás Barrueco del Valle, affectionately known as "Tomasito," who was a key collaborator with both the Baptist Medical Fellowship of Cuba and the church itself. Espinosa remarked, "What touched me most was that this day honored the memory of our dear brother."
A banner from the Baptist Medical Fellowship of Cuba, displaying the slogan "Preaching and healing go hand in hand" along with the biblical quote from Matthew 9:35, encapsulated the Christian philosophy guiding these medical missions.
This initiative highlights the increasing role Cuban churches are playing due to the collapse of the public healthcare system. The Western Cuban Baptist Convention reported that its congregations conduct medical outreach with health professionals from their own churches, in addition to providing food to vulnerable seniors and children.
In October, a Baptist church in Havana distributed food and clothing to the community, while another served meals to elderly Cubans, underscoring the void left by the state.
The dire healthcare context driving these efforts is alarming: in August, the Cuban government acknowledged that only 30% of essential medications were available—about 190 out of 651 drugs—while nearly 98,500 patients, including some 12,000 children, awaited surgeries.
Global Health Outreach, the international medical missions arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations in the United States, organizes 40 to 50 mission teams each year, combining free medical care with evangelism in developing countries. Their partnership with the Baptist Medical Fellowship of Cuba began in the late 1990s when American volunteers visited hospitals in Havana and Cienfuegos, establishing a medical cooperation channel that remains active today.
Espinosa concluded, "The church also serves when it reaches out to heal and share the love of Christ!" His photographs of the event circulated widely within the Cuban Baptist community.
Understanding the Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
What role do churches play in Cuba's healthcare system?
Cuban churches have taken on an increasing role in providing healthcare services as the public healthcare system collapses. They organize medical outreach programs using health professionals from their congregations and provide food to the elderly and vulnerable children.
How has the Cuban government responded to the healthcare crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the severity of the healthcare crisis, admitting that only 30% of essential medications are available and that nearly 98,500 patients are waiting for surgeries, including many children.
Who was Dr. Tomás Barrueco del Valle?
Dr. Tomás Barrueco del Valle, known as "Tomasito," was a beloved collaborator with the Baptist Medical Fellowship of Cuba and El Calvario Baptist Church, whose memory was honored during the Health and Evangelism Day.