Holguin Celebrates National Event for Latin American Medicine Day

Amidst considerable challenges and complexities, healthcare professionals in Holguin and throughout Cuba celebrated Latin American Medicine Day on December 3rd. A date that commemorates the legacy of the renowned researcher Carlos Juan Finlay.

During the national event held in Holguin, the General Director of Health for the province, Dr. Julio Yamel Verdecia Reyes, stated that “this celebration serves as an incentive for our workers. Who are the daily protagonists of great acts of heroism. A reward for sustained effort, which motivates us to perfect our work and surpass the results we have achieved to date.

It honors Public Health in Holguin, our institution of higher learning. With the third largest enrollment of medical students among the country’s Universities of Medical Sciences. Also who are aware that the future of Cuban and Holguin healthcare rests in their hands.”

The official also mentioned that the province maintains a sustained level of clinical trial activity. Enjoying a high reputation in the region, with more than 10 such studies currently underway.

So far this year, more than 5,900 births have been attended. Resulting in an infant mortality rate of 5.93 per 1,000 live births. With an overall survival rate in Neonatology services of 98.8 percent.

Holguin Celebrates National Event for Latin American Medicine Day 0 — Celebration of Latin American Medicine Day in Holguin. Photo: Taken from Facebook/ Clinical Surgical Hospital

As an encouraging statistic, there has been a reduction of 101 cases of low birth weight compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, in Assisted Reproduction Services. 96 clinical pregnancies have been achieved at the low complexity level, and 76 artificial inseminations have been performed to date. Regarding international collaboration, he added that more than 1,930 Holguin residents are working in 39 countries.

Special attention was given to the tireless fight against arboviruses in a complex epidemiological scenario. Therefore, the commitment to the care of the people remains a fundamental pillar in this great battle. Which demands discipline, science, perseverance, and intersectoral collaboration.

The work of the University of Medical Sciences, the Committee of the Union of Young Communists, and the University Student Federation of the academic institution was recognized. As well as the four provincial hospitals, other institutions in the sector, and the General Health Directorates of the municipalities of Rafael Freyre, Cacocum, Calixto García, and Holguin.

Moreover the work of Holguin health professionals, distinguished by their dedicated and consistent efforts, was particularly highlighted.

Among them were Dr. Ana Nastia Tamayo Ortiz, Dr. Raúl Lázaro Rodríguez Larralde, Dr. Roberto Hidalgo Pupo, Dr. Jorge Pichardo Pupo, Dr. Eranio Henríquez Ruiz, and Ms. Doris Patiño Batista. The Ministry of Public Health and the National Union of Health Workers highlighted the dedication of those who, under exceptional circumstances, maintained medical care for the people during Hurricane Melissa.

In this regard, the Minister, along with Dr. Yudixa Sarmiento Rodicio, General Secretary of the Health Workers Union, presented awards to the General Health Directorates of the eastern provinces.

For their outstanding results in health indicators during 2025. The General Health Directorates of Pinar del Rio, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spiritus were recognized. The army of healthcare workers faces diverse challenges and resource limitations. But today we celebrate those who uphold the name of Cuban medicine with effort, sacrifice, and professionalism.