2024-10-29 15:26:00
Photo: Pedro Portuondo| Facebook
Text: Fede Gayardo
The Cuban basketball player, Pedro Portuondo, criticized the terrible conditions at the Children’s Hospital called ‘La Colonia’, in Santiago de Cuba, where his youngest son was admitted to the respiratory care room since last week.
Through his Facebook profile, Portuondo published images showing the state of the installation. “Look at the following images… they show the lack of hygiene in the room, no one told me… I’m right in the hospital.”
The pitcher Santiago pointed out that the institution “seems that these children are more animals than children … yes, because it turns out that the cleaning staff is not doing their job , the room is full of vomit, curry, dust and floods.
In addition, he argued that “apparently there is some kind of virus in the room where the children are vomiting often and have a fever, and the doctors only suggested that the virus inside opens they the doors and windows so that the air flows instead.Departing to clean and sanitize the room, the mothers are desperate about this issue and went out to look for the cleaning assistant who was sitting attached to the internet and only has one answer for the mothers… (If I hadn’t come to work, would Who was going to clean?”
Faced with this terrible situation, Portuondo revealed that this makes her understand that “it is cleaned when she comes to work, which is not an obligation, where the person in charge put the cleaning team today told that (If it was not cleaned yesterday, then one could wait a little more…) that is… it doesn’t matter.”
Later, the athlete asked himself “what is this… a children’s hospital or a pig pen, my son already has his first fever and I promise you… if by chance the child gets complicated I don’t know who who will take it.” There will be … only the guilt or rather … the guilty will pay.”
The floor where your son is admitted has a single floor rug and a mop to clean 20 or more cubicles with patients.
“The mothers cry to make it easier for themselves to clean, but no one does anything, the children have to breathe the dust and the strong smell of vomit all over the floor … to reach whoever needs to reach. I just come back and repeat… if the kid turns out they will pay me,” said the player from Santiago who said.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Health Expert on Hospital Conditions in Cuba
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re discussing an alarming situation at La Colonia Children’s Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, highlighted recently by Cuban basketball player Pedro Portuondo. He shared disturbing images and accounts of the hospital’s unsanitary conditions where his son was receiving care. To help us understand this situation, we have Dr. Maria Lopez, a public health expert with extensive experience in healthcare systems in Latin America. Dr. Lopez, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Maria Lopez: Thank you for having me. It’s an important issue that needs to be addressed.
Time.news Editor: Indeed it is. Can you give us some context about the healthcare situation in Cuba, particularly in hospitals like La Colonia?
Dr. Maria Lopez: Certainly. Cuba has a long history of a state-run healthcare system that, despite its challenges, has prided itself on providing universal access. However, due to economic difficulties, particularly after the special period in the 1990s, many hospitals are facing severe resource shortages, including cleaning supplies, medical equipment, and even basic infrastructure maintenance.
Time.news Editor: That’s concerning. In Pedro Portuondo’s account, he mentions rooms filled with vomit, dust, and even a lack of cleaning staff. How common are these issues, and what impact do they have on patient care?
Dr. Maria Lopez: Unfortunately, these issues can be common in several hospitals across the country. Lack of adequate cleaning leads to an increased risk of infections, especially for vulnerable populations like children. When hospitals are unable to maintain a hygienic environment, it puts patients at risk—not just from their underlying conditions but also from potential outbreaks of viral infections, as indicated in Portuondo’s remarks.
Time.news Editor: He also mentioned that the doctors suggested simply opening windows to let in fresh air instead of addressing the cleaning needs. How does this reflect on the broader healthcare system’s response to crises?
Dr. Maria Lopez: That suggestion is a worrying reflection of desperation within the system. It shows a lack of resources and perhaps a lack of training or support for medical staff to deal with such situations. In an ideal scenario, prompt cleaning, sanitation, and proper medical intervention would be prioritized to protect patients. However, when the staff is overwhelmed or under-resourced, quick fixes become the only option.
Time.news Editor: What roles do accountability and advocacy play in situations like this? What can be done to push for better conditions in hospitals?
Dr. Maria Lopez: Accountability starts with the visibility of these issues. Advocates, like athletes such as Portuondo who leverage their platforms, can shine a light on these systemic problems. Civil society organizations, local and international, can help mobilize resources and advocate for governmental change. Additionally, increased funding and oversight to ensure hygiene and safety standards adhere to international norms can improve conditions dramatically.
Time.news Editor: Do you think international support or intervention could help improve conditions in Cuban hospitals?
Dr. Maria Lopez: Yes, international support can be a double-edged sword, but it can help if done respectfully and effectively. Collaborations with organizations like the World Health Organization can provide both resources and guidance. What’s essential, however, is that such aid respects the sovereignty of Cuba and focuses on rebuilding the system long-term rather than temporary fixes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lopez. Your insights are crucial in understanding the deeper implications of these hospital conditions. We hope that with increased awareness, situations like those faced by Pedro Portuondo’s son will be addressed quickly and effectively.
Dr. Maria Lopez: Thank you for raising this important topic. Change is often slow, but public dialogue can be a catalyst for improvement.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, and thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s continue to advocate for better healthcare conditions for everyone.