The Matanzas Health Department took to their official Facebook page this past Sunday to refute circulating rumors about alleged deaths at the "Iluminado Rodríguez" Hospital in Jagüey Grande.
The statement emphasizes that, "as of now, there is no unusual spike in fatalities nor is there a health crisis at this medical facility. The hospital remains operational, providing necessary medical care to patients." The statement did not specify the origin of these rumors or the number of deaths mentioned.
Citizens are urged to "stay calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and rely solely on official channels from both the municipality and the Health Department to keep themselves informed." The message concludes with a clear call to action: "Don't spread rumors! Get informed through official sources."
Recurring Pattern of Denials
This denial follows a trend that has been seen throughout 2026. In February, the Health Authority in Mayarí addressed a viral claim of 14 deaths in one day, confirming only four officially. In March, Havana's Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital denied that patients on ventilators had died due to power outages. By October, Matanzas' Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital denied reports of being overwhelmed.
The most recent incident occurred just five days ago when the Faustino Pérez Hospital in Matanzas accused individuals of "manipulation" and a "smear campaign" after images surfaced of a collapsed false ceiling in their Orthopedics wing on October 30. An independent commentator captured the sentiment of many Cubans with this remark: "Hospitals don't need image protection; they need their roofs repaired."
The Broader Health Crisis
This latest rebuttal comes amid an admitted broader health crisis recognized by the authorities themselves. Recently, the Public Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, conceded to the Communist Party's Central Committee about severe issues plaguing hospitals and clinics: medication shortages, lack of equipment, broken elevators, boilers, generators, and water systems. He attempted to downplay the situation by stating, "no institution in the country has been closed."
The crisis is further highlighted by the ongoing exodus of medical personnel. By the end of 2025, Cuba's healthcare system had 71,635 registered doctors, a drop of nearly 3,730 from 2024 and over 34,000 fewer than in 2021. Overall, the National Health System lost 55,605 workers between 2023 and 2025.
In Matanzas and other provinces, hospitals have faced electrical outages, shortages of essential supplies like orthopedic plaster and reagents, and reports of patient neglect throughout the year.
Addressing Rumors and Health Challenges in Cuba
What prompted the Matanzas Health Department's statement?
The statement was issued to counter rumors of unusual deaths at the "Iluminado Rodríguez" Hospital in Jagüey Grande.
How has the healthcare crisis affected Cuban hospitals?
Cuban hospitals have faced medication shortages, equipment failures, and a significant reduction in medical staff.
What actions are being advised to the public in response to these rumors?
The public is advised to remain calm, verify information before sharing, and rely on official sources for updates.