In the community of Los Colonos on the Isle of Youth, a woman finds herself in a desperate situation. Faced with the need for surgery, she is told she must independently obtain several medical supplies necessary for the procedure. Given her dire financial and familial circumstances, she is at a loss for how to accomplish this task.
Her predicament was highlighted by content creator Yoana Pérez, who shared the woman's story on Facebook after visiting her home.
"I need surgery. They tell me I have to find the surgical kit myself to get the operation, including the saline, the trocar, the catheter, and the Levine tube. I have to find it all. But how am I supposed to do that? I have no family or support," the woman expressed.
The surgery is just one of her many challenges.
She lives with her elderly mother, who suffers from severe vision problems, and her daughter, who attends a special education school. Her own health issues prevent her from maintaining steady employment.
"I'm here alone with my mom and daughter, and it's been like this for years. As I've said, I can't work, they won't let me retire," she lamented.
She revealed that when her leg swells, she is unable to work, yet she hasn't been able to secure disability benefits.
The household income relies heavily on the slightly more than 3,000 pesos she receives, along with a similar amount her mother earns.
"We survive on the little over 3,000 pesos each, buying whatever we can at whatever price, just to get by," she explained.
The struggles extend to their home environment as well. Her work machine is broken, the house suffers from leaks, and several appliances no longer function.
Even her daughter's 15th birthday celebration was only possible due to a generous uncle living in Havana who covered some expenses.
The Broader Crisis of Medical Supply Shortages
This case echoes other recent complaints from Cuban patients who have been forced to find materials for their medical procedures. In June, a 23-year-old presented a handwritten list of supplies needed for surgery, including a urinary catheter, cannulas, a transfusion set, sutures, and blood donations.
The ongoing shortage of medications and medical supplies continues to plague hospitals and pharmacies across the island. Reports indicate that about 70% of essential medications are unavailable, with health authorities acknowledging the severity of the shortages.
For this woman in Los Colonos, the issue is urgent: she needs surgery but lacks the funds and family support to obtain the required supplies.
"Where am I supposed to find this?" she asked, visibly distressed on camera.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Supply Crisis
Why are Cubans required to source their own medical supplies?
Cuba is experiencing a severe shortage of medical supplies and medications, forcing patients to find them independently. The lack of resources in hospitals is a result of economic constraints and ineffective government policies.
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban patients in need of surgery?
Cuban patients often face the challenge of sourcing necessary surgical supplies themselves. Additionally, financial constraints, lack of familial support, and the government's inability to provide basic healthcare resources exacerbate these difficulties.