The José Ramón López Tabrane Provincial Teaching Hospital in Matanzas has initiated an internal investigation following accusations from the family of Daylin Regó Castillo, a 29-year-old woman, of medical negligence during her care after a cesarean section. The patient passed away early Friday morning at the Faustino Pérez Provincial Hospital in Matanzas, where she had been transferred due to her deteriorating condition.
According to various accounts on social media, Daylin was admitted to the López Tabrane Hospital at 40 weeks of pregnancy and underwent a cesarean. Post-surgery, she experienced severe pain and other alarming symptoms, which her family claims were downplayed by the medical staff for several days. Her untimely death left her newborn without a mother and sparked public demands for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The hospital responded with an official statement shared by TV Yumuí on social media. The hospital management conveyed that "from the outset, the institution's leadership and medical team have initiated a rigorous and comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with relevant authorities to transparently clarify the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event."
The statement also emphasized their "commitment to continuously reviewing processes, ensuring the quality of care, and the well-being of every mother" who visits the facility, while appealing for "respect for the family's privacy and grief, as well as for the healthcare staff." The alleged medical negligence has not been officially confirmed and will be assessed through the announced investigation.
Ongoing Issues at Matanzas Hospital
This case emerges in a hospital that has faced numerous public complaints regarding its structural conditions. In June, reports surfaced of bedbug and cockroach infestations in the maternity ward, alongside clogged toilets, water shortages, and a lack of supplies impacting pregnant women and newborns. By October, it was reported that the hospital's elevators had been out of service for an extended period, forcing newly-operated cesarean patients to navigate stairs. In August 2025, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life in the same facility due to the absence of a working elevator.
Daylin Regó's death is part of a troubling trend of maternal deaths documented in Cuba throughout 2026. In July, Yoleidis Carballosa Riverón died in Holguín following a transfusion after a cesarean; in September, 26-year-old Aniari Barrientos Vázquez passed away in Santiago de Cuba under circumstances also questioned by her family; and in April, a 21-year-old woman named Rosleidys died in a Havana hospital without adequate diagnostic testing, according to her relatives.
The decline of Cuba's public health system—exacerbated by the economic crisis, medication shortages, and the exodus of medical professionals—has led to an increase in citizen complaints about hospital care quality. This stands in stark contrast to the health indicators historically touted by the regime as a hallmark of the Revolution.
Understanding the Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
What sparked the investigation at the Matanzas hospital?
The investigation was prompted by allegations from Daylin Regó Castillo's family, who accused the hospital of medical negligence following her death after a cesarean section.
What conditions have been reported at the Matanzas hospital?
The hospital has faced reports of infestations, clogged toilets, water shortages, and broken elevators, impacting the care of pregnant women and newborns.
How has the public health system in Cuba been affected recently?
The public health system in Cuba has deteriorated due to economic challenges, medication shortages, and the departure of healthcare professionals, leading to increased complaints about care quality.