To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Eastern Army (EO) and the 43rd anniversary of the Dr. Fermín Valdés Domínguez Military Hospital. A voluntary blood donation drive was organized in Holguin. The drive exceeded expectations, with more than 120 bags of this vital fluid collected thanks to this act of solidarity.
Lidia Acosta Pérez, head of the institution’s Diagnostic and Therapeutic Research Center. She explained that this was not an isolated event: “We contacted the Military Construction Company. Taking advantage of the EO’s anniversary, the hospital’s anniversary, and the fact that this is the centennial year of Fidel [Castro]. We decided to hold a mass donation drive.” These donations are voluntary and will be transferred to the Provincial Blood Bank. Primarily for children undergoing oncohematology treatment at the Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital. Critically ill mothers, and patients requiring urgent transfusions.
Photo: Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
Prior to this call for donations, a scientific conference was held featuring numerous innovative projects. The medical community came together to celebrate knowledge and commitment to public health.
Among the donors was Eliannis Tamayo Leyva, who donated blood for the first time: “We reaffirm the need for and continuity of the Revolution. I was motivated because I feel it is my duty as a young, revolutionary Cuban. We are always ready to step up whenever needed. I was nervous at first, but the experience was very good. Everything was quick, and the care was wonderful.”
And for those who think donating blood hurts, she assured: “No, not at all.” “We are saving lives; this is how we contribute, that’s what matters.”
Photo: Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
Since January of this year, the institution has had its own Blood Bank, located on the premises. Which also helps guarantee the supply of safe and appropriate blood components required by the Ministry of Health’s healthcare institutions in the province of Holguin. The Blood Bank is staffed with personnel specialized in the requirements and safety standards for blood collection.
Felipe Zuazo Vázquez, head of the hospital’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center. Commented on the growth in community outreach. Serving a population of nearly 40,000 residents in the Pedro Díaz Coello health area. While also maintaining the commitment to expanding services to the civilian population of other areas in the future.
He also explained that since its founding, the hospital has had a community-oriented approach. It began serving the military population, but later expanded to include their families and the surrounding community. Offering a wide range of specialties from Internal Medicine to Neurosurgery. It has become a cornerstone of healthcare for the military population of eastern Cuba and the civilian population it serves.
Photo: Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
Currently, this Emergency Center provides the community with assistance and consultations in more than 15 specialties. Including clinical, surgical, and insurance services.
Not even the rain could stop more than a hundred people from donating life. Blood donations are the only source of blood components and blood products. Which are essential for the production of certain medications and reagents. These supplies meet the needs of the Maternal and Child Health Program (PAMI), emergency services, and patients with bleeding requiring metabolic stability. Each donation ensures a life story, an invaluable gesture of love and solidarity.
Photo: Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
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