Tweet
Source: https://www.cp24.com/world/doctors-i...osts-1.5551415
Doctors in Cuba slam country's lack of supplies during COVID-19 surge in rare social media posts
Sarah Marsh, Reuters
Published Wednesday, August 18, 2021 5:26AM EDT
HAVANA, Aug 18 (Reuters) -- Several doctors in Cuba have taken to social media to decry shortages of medicine, oxygen and other materials needed to battle a dire COVID-19 outbreak, in a rare public denunciation of conditions in the island's hallowed healthcare system.
The outcry comes in reaction to comments by government officials that the doctors say scapegoat medics for the country's worsening plight while downplaying precarious conditions pre-dating the current crisis.
"I want to denounce the collapse of our health system in our hospital as well as in the rest of the country, due to a lack of resources and protective gear," said Dr. Francisco Pavon in a video shared on social media, featuring more than 20 doctors and medical students in the eastern province of Holguin.
Others took to Facebook or messaging platforms to denounce the critical situation and demand more support from authorities.
Similar criticism has been seen elsewhere globally during the pandemic as medical staff have reached a breaking point when infections have ballooned, overwhelming even the richest of healthcare systems.
But in Cuba it is unusual, as authorities often restrict public dissent, saying unity is necessary to combat open U.S. attempts to force political change...
Doctors in Cuba slam country's lack of supplies during COVID-19 surge in rare social media posts
Sarah Marsh, Reuters
Published Wednesday, August 18, 2021 5:26AM EDT
HAVANA, Aug 18 (Reuters) -- Several doctors in Cuba have taken to social media to decry shortages of medicine, oxygen and other materials needed to battle a dire COVID-19 outbreak, in a rare public denunciation of conditions in the island's hallowed healthcare system.
The outcry comes in reaction to comments by government officials that the doctors say scapegoat medics for the country's worsening plight while downplaying precarious conditions pre-dating the current crisis.
"I want to denounce the collapse of our health system in our hospital as well as in the rest of the country, due to a lack of resources and protective gear," said Dr. Francisco Pavon in a video shared on social media, featuring more than 20 doctors and medical students in the eastern province of Holguin.
Others took to Facebook or messaging platforms to denounce the critical situation and demand more support from authorities.
Similar criticism has been seen elsewhere globally during the pandemic as medical staff have reached a breaking point when infections have ballooned, overwhelming even the richest of healthcare systems.
But in Cuba it is unusual, as authorities often restrict public dissent, saying unity is necessary to combat open U.S. attempts to force political change...