Widespread outrage has erupted on social media due to the persistent power outages at the hospital in Sagua de Tánamo. Community members have voiced their concerns, highlighting that the facility remains in darkness "day and night," leading to the suspension of medical tests due to the lack of electricity.
The issue was brought to light in the Facebook group Revolico Sagua de Tánamo, where an anonymous user criticized the local government's failure to prioritize the hospital's power circuit.
"It's unheard of to visit a hospital and be told that tests can't be conducted because there's no power," the original post stated.
Public Outcry and Patient Safety Concerns
The reaction was swift and intense. "The hospital should be a PRIORITY... we've hit rock bottom," one user commented. Another noted, "Not even during the Special Period did we experience the current conditions at the hospital."
Concerns also arose regarding the potential closure of the medical center and the lack of fuel for the hospital's generator. "It's disrespectful, they don't even care about people's lives," read another comment.
Numerous comments questioned why there is fuel for official vehicles while the hospital remains without power backup. "It's preferable to light up a hotel rather than something as delicate and crucial as a hospital," criticized an online commenter.
Deepening Structural Crisis
Cuba is facing a severe fuel crisis, exacerbated by the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and the United States' tariffs on countries trading oil with the island.
However, the decline in the healthcare system predates these events, stemming from years of neglect in state resource investment in medical facilities, as the regime chose to prioritize tourism. Today, Cuba is littered with empty hotels and not a single hospital in the nation can guarantee full services to its citizens.
Similar incidents to the one in Sagua de Tánamo have been reported in other provinces. Cuban father Baysel Acosta Moreno publicly denounced power outages at the Guane hospital, where his sick daughter is admitted.
Across the island, there is a growing fear that a medical emergency might occur in complete darkness and without transportation available to reach a hospital.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare and Power Crisis
Why is there no electricity in the Sagua de Tánamo hospital?
The hospital suffers from frequent power outages due to the government not prioritizing its power needs, amidst a national fuel crisis.
How is the fuel crisis affecting Cuban hospitals?
The fuel crisis has led to power shortages in hospitals, impacting their ability to provide essential services and maintain operations.
What are the broader implications of the power outages in Cuba?
Power outages highlight the systemic neglect of healthcare, prioritizing tourism over essential services, and raise concerns about safety and emergency response capabilities.