A video released on Facebook by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada this Thursday exposes the dire state of the Observation Room at Camagüey Provincial Hospital. The footage reveals walls with peeling blue paint, widespread black mold and humidity stains, crumbling ceilings, and dilapidated electrical infrastructure—conditions under which a patient receives an intravenous drip in an unsanitary environment.
"This isn't a war zone; it's a patient care area," Tan Estrada commented, sharing the images as part of his #TanteandoCuba series, which highlights critical issues in Cuba.
Within just a few hours, the video amassed over 9,100 views, alongside 243 reactions and 23 comments, reflecting the outrage among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The images depict deteriorating power outlets labeled as C-1, cracked and stained ceiling panels, and wall corners with what seems like mold accumulated over years of neglect.
The Hospital's Troubling Track Record
This incident is far from isolated. The Camagüey hospital has a history of reports documenting its ongoing decay: In November 2025, roof collapses in operating rooms led to the suspension of surgeries. The previous month, elderly patients in the Geriatrics unit were found in unsanitary conditions, covered in feces.
In April 2026, stagnant water, trash, rusted pipes, and soot were documented in the basement near the operating room. By June, the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights reported greenish water on floors, dangling cables, and rodents at the facility.
A Widespread Health Crisis
The issues extend beyond infrastructure. In February 2026, the hospital admitted to lacking norepinephrine—an essential drug for treating septic shock—following the death of a 26-year-old patient. In March, kidney patients went nearly a week without dialysis due to a shortage of basic supplies.
Tan Estrada, a journalist from Camagüey now exiled in Mexico after being ousted by the Cuban regime, has been a leading voice in exposing the province's healthcare conditions through his reporting.
The hospital's collapse signifies a national healthcare crisis. The Pan American Health Organization has documented damage in at least 385 healthcare facilities across Cuba, with collapsed roofs and sewage water beneath patient beds.
In March 2026, the national surgical waiting list reached 96,387 patients, including over 11,000 children. Hospitals face power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily, rendering critical medical equipment useless and forcing the cancellation of procedures.
Even the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, conceded in February 2026 that the Cuban healthcare system was "on the brink of collapse," a statement vividly illustrated by the images from the Camagüey hospital.
FAQs on Camagüey Hospital Crisis
What are the main issues at Camagüey Provincial Hospital?
The main issues include severe mold and humidity damage, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of essential medical supplies.
How has the public reacted to the video of the hospital?
The video caused widespread indignation, garnering over 9,100 views and numerous reactions and comments from Cubans both domestically and internationally.
Who is José Luis Tan Estrada?
José Luis Tan Estrada is an independent journalist from Camagüey, now living in exile in Mexico, who has been actively reporting on the healthcare crisis in Cuba.