Cuban Deputy Minister of Public Health Carilda Peña reported that as of the end of last week, 95,555 patients were awaiting general surgery, while another 5,152 people were waiting for cancer treatments.
“We can’t really say we’re at zero because enormous efforts are being made, but all these patients are waiting for surgery,” the deputy minister stated during an appearance on Cuban television.
It is truly heartbreaking when someone knows they need treatment and can’t access it, and that is a reality that threatens their quality of life.
Currently, ensuring access to hemodialysis is a challenge, which is why it has been necessary to hospitalize patients who live far from healthcare centers due to a lack of transportation.
At this time, 2,888 Cubans are receiving hemodialysis treatment, a therapy highly dependent on supplies, water and specialized equipment.
Among the measures adopted to guarantee treatment is increasing the reuse of dialyzers, but this is a complex procedure that requires additional resources and a high level of technical expertise, the deputy health minister explained on the radio and television program Mesa Redonda.
“In addition to the supply limitations, there are the disruptions caused by power outages and difficulties with the water supply, as well as other essential elements for ensuring the operation of hemodialysis units.”
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
