The Lenin Hospital protects its intensive care unit despite the US energy blockade
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The intensive care unit at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University Teaching Hospital in Holguin province. It continues to operate despite fuel shortages caused by the United States’ hostile policy toward Cuba.
Alejandro Eduardo Forés Arafet, head of this unit at the hospital, told CNA that the specialty relies on high-tech equipment. Without which diagnosing and monitoring patients would be very difficult.
He noted that the medical field is heavily reliant on infrastructure for constant monitoring. The installed equipment is several years old, which complicates comprehensive care.
Currently, he indicated, there are limitations regarding access to spare parts and supplies. Such as reagents for blood gas analysis and monitors. Due to the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on the archipelago since 1962.
The expert emphasized that the fuel shortage affects the availability of water. For the functioning of the artificial kidney in the ward and of broad-spectrum medications.
Forés, also a specialist in intensive care, explained that in this difficult context. Some strategies are being developed to guarantee the patient’s life, based on the use of clinical methods and the professional development of healthcare personnel.
He added other alternatives such as coordination between hospitals and pharmacies to facilitate complementary tests. And access to medications, especially for the care of critically ill mothers.
Camila Arévalo, a relative of a patient, spoke at length about the dedication and sensitivity of the medical and nursing staff. In guiding the family amidst the complexity of the current situation.
The US embargo causes millions of dollars in daily losses to the Cuban economy, and the health sector is one of the hardest hit. Particularly in programs such as maternal and child health, critical care, and oncology, among other specialties. Due to restrictions on acquiring supplies from the United States. (Source : Radio Angulo)
