We must passionately defend the provision of services in any medical specialty and work for better results in healthcare, urged Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), during the ceremony celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Mártires de Las Tunas Pediatric Hospital.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- On Thursday, the leader recognized the sacrifice of the doctors, especially at this institution that welcomes children and strives every day to improve indicators and move closer to excellence, in a context marked by scarce resources.
The first major healthcare project built in the territory since the Triumph of the Revolution today cares for a child and adolescent population of over 100,000 inhabitants, plus almost 10,000 from neighboring provinces. To ensure this, the hospital has 148 beds dedicated to the treatment of critically ill infants, surgical procedures, and other clinical services.
Dr. María Cristina Cisneros Vázquez, hospital director, praised the work teams across the 28 specialties and commended the outstanding performance of the Intensive Care Unit, with remarkable indicators, including an overall survival rate of 97.5 percent and over 94.7 percent for ventilated patients.
Cisneros Vázquez also highlighted that this group maintained zero infant mortality for children under 1 year of age for 23 months, the result of the effort of highly trained personnel, their sense of belonging, and proven sensitivity to the invaluable lives of children.
She referred to the commitment to defend surgical practice under any circumstances, which, under the current schedule, has managed to reduce patient waiting times. To date, approximately 1,400 procedures have been performed, including 876 major surgeries.
During the event, professionals with more than 40 years of service at the facility were recognized for their lifetime achievements. Likewise, several departments, areas, and sections were recognized for their satisfactory indicators related to children's well-being and quality of life.
In a solemn moment, thanks were expressed for the support of organizations, ministries, and new economic stakeholders who have contributed to the pediatric ward's excellence in medical and surgical practice and its professionals' provision of quality services, all focused on the main needs of the region.
In the wake of the anniversary, celebrated this August 28th, the research work of Yordania Velázquez Ávila, full professor and recipient of numerous awards, including the Annual Health Award and the Cuban Academy of Sciences Prize, was commended.
A few hours after the ceremony, Rebel Army Commander José Ramón Machado Ventura joined the remembrances of this historic day. He toured the wards, spoke with doctors, nurses, and family members, and took a personal interest in the children's health. In 1960, in his then role as Minister of Public Health, Machado witnessed the birth of an institution that has forged a beautiful resume over time.
