Elderly Woman Dies Neglected in Havana Hospital: “They Are Criminals”
Havana, Cuba
– An elderly woman identified as 85-year-old María Isabel Reyes Hernández died on August 25, 2023, at the Salvador Allende Hospital in Havana, after being neglected and mistreated by the medical staff. According to the family of the deceased, Mrs. Hernández was admitted to the hospital on August 19th with an infection and was assigned to the Geriatrics Ward. From the moment she arrived, her condition deteriorated due to severe neglect and lack of care. “My mother was totally abandoned,” said her daughter, Miriam Hernández. “She was not given any food or water for days, and her bedsores were not treated properly. We begged for help, but the staff ignored us.” During her stay in the hospital, Mrs. Hernández suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and multiple bedsores. Her family claims that the medical staff refused to administer medication or provide basic hygiene care, leaving her in an appalling state. “It was like a torture chamber,” said Miriam. “My mother was crying in pain and begging for help, but nobody cared. The doctors and nurses just turned a blind eye to her suffering.” On August 25th, Mrs. Hernández’s health deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away that evening. Her family is now accusing the hospital staff of negligence and demanding justice. “They are criminals,” said Mrs. Hernández’s son, Antonio. “They killed my mother with their indifference and neglect. They should be held accountable for their actions.” The incident has sparked outrage in Cuba, where the healthcare system has been criticized for its lack of resources and poor quality of care. Many have called for an investigation into the death of Mrs. Hernández and the implementation of stricter standards for patient treatment. “This tragedy is a reflection of the systemic failures in our healthcare system,” said Julio Martínez, a doctor and member of the Cuban Medical Association. “We need to prioritize patient care and ensure that everyone, regardless of age or social status, receives the treatment they deserve.” As the authorities launch an investigation into Mrs. Hernández’s death, her family grieves the loss of their beloved mother and demands justice for her needless suffering. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing Cuba’s healthcare system and the urgent need for reforms to prevent such tragedies from happening again.