The United States’ economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba limits care for high-risk pregnant women. Due to a shortage of medicines and supplies at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University Teaching Hospital in Holguin.
Rubén Reynaldo Rojas, deputy director of the maternal and child health area at that hospital. Told CNA that the hostile policy affects access to spare parts, equipment, and supplies. Required for the follow-up of patients with obstetric complications.
He emphasized that the availability of medicines such as antibiotics and steroids. Essential in this type of treatment, is very limited, and surgical components. Including sutures, are also in short supply.
In the case of the operating rooms, the surgical tables and equipment date back to the hospital’s founding 60 years ago with Soviet technology. It has become practically impossible to replace them since the modern ones are of North American origin, he stressed.
Other aspects of the damage, the doctor added, include delays in the arrival of supplies. Such as medical oxygen and the harassment of people interested in contributing from abroad to the construction of a maternity ward in a designated area of the institution.
The director highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the medical, nursing, and technical staff. Also who reinvent themselves every day to offer quality care. Amidst the limitations caused by the hostile policies, the deputy director emphasized.
Also, some social indiscipline that affects the service. Such as the loss of wastebaskets and fittings from the sanitary systems. As well as the improper disposal of solid waste.
Helen González Pérez, a 32-week pregnant patient with gestational hypertension. She mentioned the medical support she received despite the medication shortages and the efforts. Aimed at ensuring the diagnosis and monitoring of each pregnant woman’s health.
Moreover the maternity ward at Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital is considered the largest in Cuba. With over 200 beds, a projected delivery rate of more than 5,000 by the end of 2025. Also an assisted reproduction unit with remarkable results.
This service is a priority for the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. Despite the challenges it focuses on resource allocation and the well-being of pregnant women.
With information from CNA
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