Chronic Power Outages Endanger Life Support Patients in Pinar del Río, Cuba

Pinar del Río Grapples with Unprecedented Power Instability

The province of Pinar del Río in western Cuba is experiencing a severe and prolonged energy crisis, with chronic power outages posing a direct threat to the lives of patients reliant on life support. Reports indicate that some areas within the province endure blackouts lasting up to 30 continuous hours, often without a predictable schedule, unlike other regions in the country.

This critical situation has forced relatives of patients needing constant electricity for medical devices to remain at hospitals, as they cannot guarantee a stable power supply in their homes. The broader energy crisis across Cuba is attributed to an aging and inadequately maintained infrastructure, persistent fuel shortages, and a growing demand for electricity. While Cuban officials frequently cite the U.S. embargo as a primary cause, others point to internal factors such as infrastructure deterioration and a lack of investment in the energy sector.

Hospitals Under Strain as Backup Systems Fail

Despite government assurances that hospitals are prioritized during power cuts, medical facilities in Pinar del Río and across Cuba are struggling to cope. Many hospitals possess backup generators, but these systems are often old, prone to malfunction, or lack sufficient fuel to operate continuously during extended outages. The unreliability of these backup solutions places critically ill patients at significant risk.

The impact extends beyond life support, affecting other vital medical services. For instance, hemodialysis treatments have been interrupted in some hospitals due to power fluctuations and generator failures, endangering kidney patients. The lack of consistent electricity also compromises the preservation of medications requiring refrigeration and the functionality of essential water and sanitation systems within medical facilities.

Families Forced to Live in Hospitals for Survival

The desperate measures taken by families underscore the severity of the crisis. One poignant example involves a father in Pinar del Río who has been living at the Pediatric Hospital with his daughter, who suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Her condition necessitates continuous electricity for medical devices, a necessity that cannot be met at their home, which experiences outages of up to 30 hours.

Another tragic case highlights the ultimate consequences of the power instability. Yanelis Hernández Palmero's son, Jeisel, a five-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 requiring constant ventilation, was moved to the Pediatric Hospital in Pinar del Río due to the unreliable electricity supply at their home. Jeisel later passed away, a stark reminder of the life-or-death implications of the energy crisis.

The widespread blackouts have also led to broader societal challenges, including difficulties in food preservation, disruptions to water supply, and significant mental health impacts on the population. The Cuban government has stated its commitment to prioritizing electricity restoration to hospitals and water pumping facilities, but the ongoing crisis continues to challenge the nation's healthcare system and the well-being of its citizens.