A nurse from the Maternal and Child Unit at the "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima" University General Hospital in Cienfuegos took to social media to report that her belongings were stolen while she was on a grueling 24-hour shift.
Daniela Llorente shared her ordeal in a Facebook group called Las cosas de Fernanda, appealing to anyone who might come across her personal items to at least return her identification documents. "Please, if anyone finds them, I just need my papers back... It's shameful to steal from someone dedicating their entire day to caring for others. I only ask that whoever has my things returns them," she pleaded.
Her post quickly went viral, garnering over 2,900 reactions and sparking a wave of public outrage over the apparent rise in crime across Cuba.
Allegations Point to Internal Culprits
Many commenters highlighted that the theft occurred in an area restricted to hospital staff, suggesting the culprit might be someone from within the workplace. "In the end, it’s theft among themselves, because no outsiders have access to that area," one user remarked.
The widespread anger was palpable. "It's outrageous to steal from a nurse enduring a tough night at a hospital, saving lives. You can’t even let go of your bag anymore," lamented another commenter. A third added, "It's disrespectful to someone giving their all for patient care."
Theft: A Widespread Issue in Cuban Hospitals
Many pointed out that this problem is neither new nor isolated. "Thefts at the hospital have become very frequent. There are many criminals working there," one person warned. Another questioned the lack of security measures: "Thefts in the hospital have become a habit. What are the security guards even doing?"
In mid-August, at the same hospital, Liset López, a resident doctor in Gynecology and Obstetrics, reported the theft of her backpack containing a laptop, her thesis, personal documents, cash, ID card, bank cards, medical stamp, and keys while working on the fourth floor.
Thefts are not confined to Cienfuegos. In August, at the Centro Gallego in Santiago de Cuba, over 11 phones were reported stolen in less than two weeks, along with sheets and fans. That same month, a security guard was tragically killed in the parking lot of the "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" Hospital in Las Tunas during a vehicle theft.
Understanding the Rise of Crime in Cuban Hospitals
What is causing the increase in thefts at Cuban hospitals?
The rise in thefts at Cuban hospitals may be linked to a lack of adequate security measures and possibly involves insiders with access to restricted areas.
How are hospital staff and the public reacting to these thefts?
There is widespread outrage among hospital staff and the public, with many expressing frustration over the lack of effective security and the disrespect shown to healthcare workers.
Are thefts in Cuban hospitals isolated incidents?
No, thefts have been reported in multiple hospitals across Cuba, indicating a broader issue rather than isolated incidents.