A pregnant woman nearing her due date claims she was forced to spend the night on metal chairs at the Maternal Hospital in Camagüey because there were no available beds to accommodate her, according to a report released Monday by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.
"I'm at the end of my pregnancy. I arrived here at 2:00 in the morning and had to sleep the rest of the night on the aluminum chairs. But it wasn't just me; there were more of us because there were no beds," the unidentified patient shared.
Tan Estrada supported her account with photographs showing a waiting area filled with metal institutional seating, where several individuals were lying down, some curled up and covered with blankets or clothing, in visibly poor conditions. The journalist also noted the presence of newborns in the hospital corridors.
Ongoing Issues at Ana Betancourt de Mora Hospital
This incident is not isolated. Just days earlier, Tan Estrada had shared a video depicting a newborn lying on blankets on an old chair inside the pre-delivery room of the same hospital.
Throughout 2026, the Ana Betancourt de Mora University Provincial Gynecobstetric Hospital—its official name—has been the focus of numerous documented complaints. In April, reports surfaced of pregnant women in Ward A awaiting childbirth on worn-out mattresses in hallways, lacking both privacy and adequate ventilation. In May, an image circulated showing electric motorcycles parked inside the perinatal care room. That same month, Tan Estrada reported over 15 newborn deaths amid sewage leaks and a shortage of medications, a figure derived from public complaints and not corroborated by any official report.
In June, a mother recounted the death of her newborn daughter after four days of severe complications, including bleeding and cardiac arrests.
Public Outcry and Health Crisis
In response to the latest complaint, Tan Estrada challenged the hospital authorities: "Now come out and issue another statement, Maternal Hospital of Camagüey. Are you also going to deny what patients are experiencing inside that institution?"
The reaction on social media was predominantly one of outrage. "What happened to the prioritization of Cuban healthcare and the protection of pregnant women?" one user questioned. Another directly addressed the Maternal and Child Care Program: "And what does the PAMI say about this?" A dissenting voice argued that "no matter the country's situation, these cases are priorities."
The situation is part of a nationwide health crisis: Cuba ended 2025 with an infant mortality rate of 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, up from 4.0 in 2018, marking an approximate 148% increase. Maternal mortality rose from 40.6 to 44.1 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2024 and 2025. In July 2026, the Pan American Health Organization warned that over 33,000 pregnant women had reduced access to ultrasounds and fetal monitoring due to equipment failures and power outages lasting up to 48 hours.
As of the conclusion of this report, neither the Maternal Hospital of Camagüey, the Provincial Health Directorate, nor the Ministry of Public Health have issued any statements in response to this new complaint.
FAQs on Hospital Conditions in Cuba
What prompted the pregnant woman's complaint against the Camagüey hospital?
The woman, nearing her due date, reported having to spend the night on metal chairs due to a lack of available beds at the hospital.
How has the Ana Betancourt de Mora Hospital been performing in 2026?
The hospital has faced numerous complaints, including reports of inadequate conditions for pregnant women, newborn deaths, and infrastructure issues.
What has been the public's reaction to these hospital conditions?
The public reaction on social media has largely been one of outrage, questioning the prioritization of healthcare for pregnant women and infants in Cuba.
What are the broader health concerns facing Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a nationwide health crisis, with rising infant and maternal mortality rates and reduced access to essential medical services for pregnant women.