The Provincial Health Directorate of Camagüey issued an official statement on Facebook this Sunday, refuting claims made by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada. Tan Estrada reported on Saturday that the main generator at the province's Pediatric Hospital had caught fire.
Instead of clarifying the root cause of the issue, the statement ended up substantiating the core of the complaint while devoting several paragraphs to criticizing the journalist.
Released approximately 12 hours after the original report, the official text denies any fire occurred, instead describing the event as an "unexpected contingency."
"What actually happened was an unexpected contingency in one of our generators. Technicians from HEMER, responsible for these devices in the province, identified a malfunction in a part connecting the motor and generator, due to accumulated wear over the years," the statement explained.
Tan Estrada publicly responded, pointing out the contradiction: "The most striking thing is that, in their own statement, they end up confirming the essence of my report. They claim there wasn't a fire, but an 'unexpected contingency' caused by a generator part malfunction due to years of wear. In other words, they acknowledge the generator malfunctioned and the hospital faced an emergency situation."
According to Tan Estrada's original report, when hospital staff inquired about the repair timeline for the faulty equipment, they were told that "there are no spare parts available to fix the hospital's generator."
Exiled in Mexico since December 31, 2024, the journalist also questioned why the institution did not provide any explanation regarding the lack of preventive maintenance or who is accountable for these shortcomings.
"When a public institution spends more effort attacking the messenger than explaining the cause of the problem, it becomes clear where their priorities lie. The people of Camagüey need safe hospitals with functioning equipment and timely maintenance, not smear campaigns," he wrote.
What drew the most attention in the statement was the use of the journalist's personal information as a tool for discreditation.
The official text referenced his educational history, his time at the University of Camagüey, and his involvement with the Union of Young Communists and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, widely seen as an intimidation tactic.
Tan Estrada dismissed questions about his connection to Camagüey: "I am a true son of Camagüey. It is precisely my deep love for my land that drives me to expose the corruption, neglect, and all that harms my people."
The journalist concluded his response with a warning: "My commitment remains unchanged: to expose what others try to hide. If each report results in an official statement, it means journalism is fulfilling its role."
This incident occurs during an especially critical week for hospitals in Camagüey.
On July 8, a fire in the generator at the Amalia Simoni Hospital forced the evacuation of newborns to the Pediatric Hospital.
The following day, a severe storm left the Provincial Hospital and the Oncological Hospital without electricity.
All of this is happening amid Cuba's worst electrical crisis in decades: on July 6, the country experienced its seventh total disconnection from the National Electric System in just 18 months, with the electrical deficit hitting a historic high of 2,341 MW on July 9.
Understanding the Power Crisis in Camagüey Hospitals
What caused the generator incident at the Pediatric Hospital in Camagüey?
The generator incident was described as an "unexpected contingency" due to a malfunction in a part connecting the motor and generator, caused by accumulated wear over the years.
How did the hospital respond to the generator malfunction?
The hospital's response included a statement denying a fire occurred, instead calling it an unexpected issue, and acknowledged the lack of spare parts for repairs.
What is the current electrical crisis situation in Cuba?
Cuba is undergoing its worst electrical crisis in decades, with multiple total disconnections from the National Electric System and a record electrical deficit of 2,341 MW.