tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post5418932594827480174..comments2024-03-09T05:13:08.154-05:00Comments on What in the World?: Inside a Cuban hospitalAdrian Hellemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611563345804489187noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-85835483168560858362017-07-31T15:19:41.923-04:002017-07-31T15:19:41.923-04:00Nobody really said what hospital you were at? the...Nobody really said what hospital you were at? there are 2.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-1218164979437353842014-10-19T15:32:29.263-04:002014-10-19T15:32:29.263-04:00The primary purpose of the Urban Aero Systems is t...The primary purpose of the Urban Aero Systems is to introduce cutting-edge aerospace technologies, while having its own modern infrastructure, with an experienced team in Aviation<br /><a href="http://www.urbanaerosystems.com/aeroboats/" title="Inflatable Boats in India" rel="nofollow">Inflatable Boats in India</a><br /><a href="http://www.urbanaerosystems.com/aboutus/" title="Helipads in Mumbai" rel="nofollow">Helipads in Mumbai</a><br /><a href="http://www.urbanaerosystems.com/partners/" title="Fec Heliports" rel="nofollow">Fec Heliports</a><br /><a href="http://www.urbanaerosystems.com/products/" title="Helipad Dimensions" rel="nofollow">Helipad Dimensions</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15564784252888799418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-45253801313277694082014-03-26T18:40:14.289-04:002014-03-26T18:40:14.289-04:00I, too, had to go to a hospital in Holguin, Cuba f...I, too, had to go to a hospital in Holguin, Cuba for a dislocated shoulder (second day there! Boo.) The clinic at the resort were unable to help me so I was transferred in an ambulance that had seen better days. The equipment attached to the ceiling of the van was falling down. It was an interesting, stop-and-go (animals and people crossing the roads) hour long ride.<br />The ambulance driver was kind.<br />When we arrived at the "hospital" which was surrounded by overgrown weeds, we found the doors to the emergency department were locked; chairs were on the tables..nobody was there.<br />The ambulance driver went to the front of the hospital, where we, too, eventually entered. There weren't any patients in sight. I did meet two specialists immediately, one was a gastroenterologist, not sure about the other.<br />Everything was dim, and it was not very clean looking but I didn't really have a choice. My shoulder was still dislocated.<br /> I was offered an injection for pain, which I happily accepting (not even knowing what it was!!)<br />After they searched for, and found, the x-ray technician, I had an x-ray done.<br />Finally, I met the orthopedic surgeon. I was only wearing a bathing suit, and yet, somehow, he gave me dignity by offering me a sheet to cover up.<br />The room was extremely hot, so they brought in a standing fan. The doctor applied a chalky substance to my arm, and his hands. He "hired" and fired two assistants who stood behind me to guide my shoulder into place with a towel. One of these assistants was the ambulance driver. The third man on the scene was able to give the doctor the help he needed, and after being urged to "please relax", my shoulder found its home, once again. Immediate relief.<br />As for payment, their machine would not accept my credit card, and we did not have enough pesos with us to cover the bill. While waiting to find out what would happen, I was still holding my dripping wet x-rays in front of another standing fan, without a cover, to allow them to dry.<br />Finally, the hospital allowed us to go with the understanding that someone would drive one hour the following day to pick up their payment. The ambulance drove us back to the resort.<br />The care I received was kind, quick and professional.<br />I was left wondering at our own Canadian system which is over-stressed. We are spoiled beyond spoiled with CT scanners, and MRI machines within a short distance. We do not have to pay. I'm not always certain that each and every medical problem that we suffer actually requires a doctors visit. We have too much access and we are not grateful enough.<br />I was very thankful to God, and to the Cubans, for the care I received. What could have been a disaster, wasn't.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03858850940740644376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-28110208476242577502014-01-28T18:11:40.401-05:002014-01-28T18:11:40.401-05:00I spent three days in Cuba hospitals (Veradero and...I spent three days in Cuba hospitals (Veradero and Mantasas) in February of 2009 and my experience was a true horror show. I had a heart attack while in emerg in a hospital in Veradero, and was then transferred (by ambulance - and I use the term loosely) to their heart hospital in Mantasas. No hot water, no light bulbs in any light fixture, no running water, no air conditioning (the unit had been torn from the hole in the wall and the hole stuffed with a pillow). The door from the room into the courtyard was held closed by a plastic water bottle jammed into the frame. There were dogs running i the hallways because the doors were thrown open (no air) and electrical wires were hanging from the ceiling. It was unbelievable! I was finally flown out of Cuba laying on the floor of the galley of our plane and was lucky to have survived the experience. Once back in Canada I was isolated for several weeks (procedure after being in a hospital abroad) and underwent by-pass surgery. Every day I thank God that I survived my experience. The Cuban medical personnel were generally kind, but had nothing to work with. No water (my husband was sent to a corner store to buy drinking water), no computers, no disposable implements, no toilet paper, no soap! As Canadians we take for granted that everyone enjoys the luxury of excellent health care, but I can testify to the fact that Cuba is still a third world country, with third world standards and equipment where you don't want to fall ill.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-88993905899803501052013-08-21T19:18:15.126-04:002013-08-21T19:18:15.126-04:00Sorry, I don't know. Cubans are well trained, ...Sorry, I don't know. Cubans are well trained, but they lack some of the tools and drugs that we take for granted here. I would suggest you take the necessary medication with you.Adrian Hellemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12611563345804489187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-43793474469183348702013-08-20T12:11:49.028-04:002013-08-20T12:11:49.028-04:00Do you know if they have the needed tools to servi...Do you know if they have the needed tools to service a severe allergic reaction for a 15 months old baby? Just in case we have a problem i wanted to inform myself before being there with my son!!!<br />thanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-7364200007015110792013-04-19T16:58:03.039-04:002013-04-19T16:58:03.039-04:00Thanks for sharing your story. I am delighted to ...Thanks for sharing your story. I am delighted to hear that the service was great as a Cuban American citizen myself. I am hoping to do some clinical work in a Cuban hospital after I finish my masters (hoping is the key word) and found your page while doing some mild research. I would appreciate the chance of being trained by such health professionals. It is really incredible how people can still work and provide great results under such conditions. I'm happy your vacation was not completely spent at a hospital! :)The Kinsella Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05105285181040060320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-53352940830529600092013-02-07T21:54:57.888-05:002013-02-07T21:54:57.888-05:00American hospitals are free if you have insurance ...American hospitals are free if you have insurance and if you do not have insurance. They are also the best in the world if you have something serious, like cancer. That why all third world dictators fly to NY or Houston when they are sick.Christopher T. Mahoneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07096275297545797428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-47720144525446279002012-03-27T17:38:59.097-04:002012-03-27T17:38:59.097-04:00Hi. I was at this hospital this past week for surg...Hi. I was at this hospital this past week for surgery. I am Canadian. The ladder is still there, the clock is still upside down! Unfortuantely the hospital is now VERY dirty. No running water in washroom sinks, no toilet paper, my room had a broken toilet seat. MD "cleaned" a medical instrument by holding it on a light bulb for 20 seconds and wiping it on his hand before using it on me. My "informed consent" was in spanish. <br /><br />The Drs and nurses were very caring and as I am still alive competent.<br /><br />The international clinic in Cayo Santa Maria was very clean and the staff there spoke english.<br /><br />Just thought your clock note was great - I noticed it as well.Gary Mhttp://www.gmurphy.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-31296673076967499852011-10-11T14:56:26.945-04:002011-10-11T14:56:26.945-04:00Thanks for sharing Uncle. Have you any sense of ...Thanks for sharing Uncle. Have you any sense of what the comparable costs would have been vs. a US hospital?Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09795316308136170598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222065172626712190.post-15828837942668316362011-10-11T14:23:27.931-04:002011-10-11T14:23:27.931-04:00Adrian, I have visited that hospital where my brot...Adrian, I have visited that hospital where my brother-in-law as cared for as he was dying from lung cancer. You description is right on. Top notch care with very limited and antiquated resources. Compare that with the heartbreaking stories at http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/archive<br /><br />I'm glad you are on the mend. Thanks for sharing this story.<br /><br />Connie KuipersConnie Kuipershttp://www.everydayrituals.canoreply@blogger.com