A pregnant woman in Matanzas faced a life-threatening situation due to a broken elevator at the José Ramón López Tabrane Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital, one of Cuba's oldest medical facilities. The official press acknowledged the incident's seriousness, as the patient arrived in critical condition from an obstetric hemorrhage and nearly lost her life because the hospital's elevator was not functioning.
The official newspaper, Girón, reported that the Fire Department had to be called in to transport the patient to the intensive care unit. Firefighters undertook a risky descent with the patient from the hospital's third floor, while an ambulance from the Integrated Medical Emergency System waited in the inner courtyard, the report detailed.
Risky Rescue and Hospital Challenges
The descent operation, combined with the necessary medical procedures, lasted seven grueling hours, endangering both the patient and her baby. The report noted that the elevator has been inoperative for several months. The patient, who was experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, suffered a severe obstetric hemorrhage.
Once admitted to intensive care, the woman was intubated, placed on assisted ventilation, and underwent a blood transfusion. Dr. Ariel Rodríguez Prado, director of the López Tabrane Hospital, explained that the crisis was due to the antiquated elevators, which have been malfunctioning for years.
Maintenance Woes and Administrative Struggles
The specific issue at the López Tabrane Hospital involves severe damage to the elevator machinery, preventing normal operation since June of 2024. Despite requesting assistance from the state-owned Mipyme Cometal to repair the elevator, the problem remains unresolved.
“The elevator experienced continuous failures, from voltage variator issues to door blockages. Despite efforts, an effective repair has not been achieved,” commented Dr. Rodríguez Prado. Due to the lack of a solution, patients with obstetric complications face the perilous task of descending via the hospital's steep stairs, a particularly challenging process during critical situations, the newspaper emphasized.
Impact on Patient Safety and Hospital Operations
Dr. Frank Díaz García, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, highlighted that such incidents jeopardize patients' lives, especially in post-operative scenarios or after complicated deliveries, when women need to be transported on stretchers.
The José Ramón López Tabrane Hospital, serving patients from the entire province of Matanzas, is a vital center for gyneco-obstetric and neonatal care, offering essential services like Neonatology and perinatal care. The story of the patient who almost lost her life due to the elevator failure is just one of many daily occurrences at this hospital, the report underscored.
FAQs on Cuba's Healthcare System Challenges
What caused the crisis at the Matanzas hospital?
The crisis was caused by a broken elevator at the José Ramón López Tabrane Hospital, which has been malfunctioning for months due to outdated machinery and unresolved technical issues.
How did the hospital handle the emergency situation?
Firefighters were called to transport the patient from the third floor when the elevator was not functioning. The process took seven hours, posing significant risk to both the patient and her unborn child.
What are the implications of the elevator failure for the hospital?
The failure of the elevator has led to dangerous situations for patients, as they may need to be transported via stairs during critical medical emergencies, increasing the risk of complications.