In Cienfuegos, a resident doctor specializing in Gynecology and Obstetrics reported a theft on Thursday that occurred within the maternal hospital where she is employed. The stolen backpack contained her laptop, which held crucial thesis data, along with personal documents, cash, and other belongings.
Liset López shared on Facebook that she left her belongings in the medical duty room on the fourth floor, alongside the bags of her colleagues, during her work shift from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Upon returning to retrieve her items, she found her backpack missing.
"My study laptop, containing all my thesis data, was inside," she expressed, conveying the immense value of what was lost. It wasn't merely a laptop; it represented months of academic work and essential information for her professional education.
The bag also contained a watch, her work uniform, ID card, bank cards, medical stamp, money, and keys.
The doctor confirmed she has filed a report and is seeking assistance to recover her possessions: "I'm just asking for help from technicians and anyone who can assist," she wrote, sharing photos of the laptop to aid in its identification.
The incident sparked numerous supportive messages and concerns about the hospital’s security measures.
"Less security every day," lamented one person, while another questioned, "Where is the security for the doctors?"
Comments indicated this was not an isolated incident of theft in the hospital area. One individual noted that such occurrences happen "repeatedly" in that room, while another recounted a previous incident of phone theft at the same location.
Messages were also directed at the thief, urging for the return of the items. "Please, may God touch your heart, and as you took it, please give it back," one user wrote. Another expressed hope, "May God allow you to recover all your belongings."
This report comes amid significant economic challenges for healthcare professionals and a troubling rise in insecurity.
Earlier this month, there was an incident in Santiago de Cuba where a man allegedly entered a maternal home at dawn, threatened a pregnant woman with a knife, and stole her belongings.
Moreover, laptops in Cuba are considered high-value items due to their steep prices, making them unattainable for many who rely solely on a government salary.
The new salary scale for the National Health System, effective since July, sets a base monthly salary of 7,045 CUP for non-specialized or newly graduated doctors and 8,880 CUP for second-degree specialists.
Even for a doctor earning one of the higher salaries within Cuba's state system, purchasing a computer could be nearly impossible if relying solely on monthly income.
Understanding the Security Concerns in Cuban Hospitals
What security measures are in place in Cuban hospitals?
Cuban hospitals generally have basic security measures, but there have been increasing reports of theft, indicating a need for enhanced security protocols.
How do Cuban healthcare professionals cope with economic challenges?
Cuban healthcare professionals often struggle to make ends meet due to low state salaries, prompting some to seek additional income sources or rely on family support.
Why are laptops considered valuable in Cuba?
Laptops are highly valued in Cuba due to their high costs, which often exceed what many individuals can afford on a government salary.