On Saturday, Miguel Díaz-Canel shared a video on X, boasting about his visit to the William Soler Pediatric University Hospital in Boyeros, Havana. However, the Cuban public's reaction was swift and critical, as a wave of comments dismantled the official narrative and highlighted the stark contrast between the polished image presented and the harsh reality of Cuba's healthcare system.
The Cuban leader praised the hospital as a "reference institution in the country" and lauded its staff with a statement steeped in propagandistic undertones: "Only a heroic people can achieve such things." His visit, occurring on October 29, was linked by the government to the recent UN vote, where the General Assembly approved—by 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions—the annual resolution to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba.
What Díaz-Canel neglected to mention was that just two days prior to his visit, locals reported piles of garbage surrounding the hospital. Additionally, back in August 2026, social media had circulated images depicting deteriorated restrooms, toilets without lids, damp walls, and rusted sinks within the same facility.
Cubans were quick to highlight these contradictions. Comments like, "Did you see the restrooms? The ambulances? You only see what's barely acceptable, the same dictatorial deceit," flooded the post. Another user bluntly advised, "Check out Miguel Enrique, Hija de Galicia, and stop lying about the reality of Cuban medicine." A third commenter suggested an uncomfortable comparison for the regime: "Now visit Cira García and CIMEQ and spot the differences."
The mention of the Cira García Clinic and CIMEQ is significant. These facilities are historically linked to foreign patients and the political elite, boasting equipment, supplies, and conditions not found in hospitals serving the general populace. The criticism strikes at the core of the system: Díaz-Canel opts for showcase centers, prepped in advance, and presents them as representative of Cuba’s public health state.
This pattern of hospital visits, which has been documented throughout 2026, includes stops at the Manuel Fajardo Hospital in February, the Frank País in May, the González Coro in July, and the Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler again in September. In each instance, the public's response was one of irony and rejection.
Even Díaz-Canel, during his visit, acknowledged that staff work under severe shortages of fuel, transportation, medicine, and electricity, an admission that contradicts the triumphant tone of his post. The backdrop is a profound crisis: at the start of 2026, Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda described the healthcare system as "on the brink of collapse"; seven out of ten essential medications were unavailable in August; and over 98,500 patients, including around 12,000 children, were awaiting surgeries.
One comment encapsulated the sentiment with unintentional sarcasm: "Good thing that one isn't so wrecked."
Key Questions About Díaz-Canel's Hospital Visits
What was the reaction of the Cuban public to Díaz-Canel's visit to William Soler Hospital?
The Cuban public reacted with swift criticism, pointing out the discrepancies between the polished image presented by Díaz-Canel and the actual conditions of the hospital and healthcare system.
Why are Cira García and CIMEQ mentioned in criticisms of Díaz-Canel's visits?
Cira García and CIMEQ are associated with superior facilities and services reserved for foreigners and the elite, highlighting the inequality in the healthcare system when compared to hospitals serving the general public.
What challenges did Díaz-Canel acknowledge during his hospital visit?
Díaz-Canel admitted that healthcare staff work under severe shortages of fuel, transportation, medicine, and electricity, contradicting the positive image he portrayed.