Dr. María Martínez, a Cuban physician, recently unveiled in a YouTube video how she lives after dedicating over ten years to the Cuban Public Health system.
"My home is the result of all the years of hard work by my retired parents and my own 11 years as a healthcare professional in Public Health. I hope you like it," she expressed.
Despite her specialization in Endocrinology and working at two major hospitals in Santiago de Cuba, María has not been able to acquire her own home and continues living with her parents. She lacks the financial resources to become independent.
This Cuban doctor is a resident in endocrinology at the Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Clinical-Surgical Hospital and also works at the Juan De La Cruz Martínez Maceira North Children's Hospital. In her video, María gives a tour of her home, located in a "pasaje" or "cuartería," a common type of housing in Cuba's poorer neighborhoods. She proudly shows the modest house that has been improved through significant effort and sacrifice by her family.
"I want to tell you that it hasn't been easy to achieve the few conditions I currently have, as everything my parents and I have accomplished has come with a lot of sacrifice," María comments in her video.
The life of doctors in Cuba has changed drastically in recent years. What was once a respected and well-paid profession is now marked by insufficient salaries, lack of resources, and disrespect from patients and their families, especially in emergency hospital settings.
Despite the alleged "salary improvements" introduced by the government, many doctors find these increases insufficient to meet their basic needs. The salary of a Cuban doctor varies depending on their level of specialization, but even the highest-paid ones barely earn 7,500 pesos a month, equivalent to about 20 dollars when exchanged on the informal market.
This stark reality highlights the struggles faced by healthcare professionals on the island, who, despite their dedication and years of service, fight to maintain a dignified life. The story of María Martínez is a testament to the hardships Cuban doctors endure amidst a deep economic crisis, although she insists she lives "surrounded by a lot of love."
Challenges Faced by Cuban Doctors
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the hardships experienced by medical professionals in Cuba, as highlighted in the story of Dr. María Martínez.
Why can't Dr. María Martínez afford her own home?
Despite her specialization and years of service, Dr. María Martínez has not been able to afford her own home due to insufficient salaries and lack of financial resources in the Cuban Public Health system.
What is the average salary of a Cuban doctor?
The average salary of a Cuban doctor varies depending on their level of specialization, but even the highest-paid doctors earn only about 7,500 pesos per month, equivalent to around 20 dollars on the informal market.
How has the profession of medicine changed in Cuba?
The medical profession in Cuba has shifted from being well-respected and well-paid to being marked by low wages, resource shortages, and disrespect from patients and their families, especially in emergency settings.