Argentina Sur is one of the neighborhoods undergoing transformation in the municipality of Jobabo. Its significant population density led the Municipal Health Department to decide to assign two doctors and a family nurse to the area, from a statistical and healthcare provision perspective.
The biggest change in this medical office is that it is now open 24 hours a day, as after its revitalization, it was decided that it would function as an emergency room.
“As a clinic, our mission is to serve the residents of Argentina Sur. As an emergency room, we are responsible for the entire rural population of Zabalo, Paloseco, and other settlements, but this is a demand that the community has had for eight years and which, fortunately, has now been met,” says María de los Ángeles Castro Téllez, a second-year resident in Comprehensive General Medicine.
This health strategy has the support of the community. “The delegate always supports us and took it upon herself to have some community representation,” said the doctor.
The investment for the repairs costs approximately 11 million pesos, and although for some this may seem like a small amount, here they can treat conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, or an acute asthma attack.
Although Dr. María de los Ángeles arrived at the clinic just over two weeks ago, she is already familiar with some of the health problems in the area, especially those related to the Maternal and Child Program, chronic non-communicable diseases, bedridden patients, and the aging population.
Something she greatly values about working there is the support of community leaders and her colleagues. For her, teamwork is essential.
“We can also support medical students who come here on rotation. We can integrate them into the work we do, into the community, and explain some of its characteristics to them. Working here directly benefits my specialty.”
At the clinic, as part of their professional training, they are also able to treat simpler conditions, which helps reduce the flow of patients to the hospital.
POPULAR GRATITUDE
Although they do not have an ambulance service, they do have transportation to transfer emergencies that arise. Solidarity is a value that characterizes Cubans: “We have a neighbor who, through the efforts of the delegate, receives fuel from the government so that he can use his own transportation to move patients.”
Anaibis Salinas Núñez, the delegate, is originally from Argentina Sur; it is surprising for her and her neighbors to see what they have achieved after so many years of proposals.
“Regardless of the difficulties we have in terms of medicines, just having a doctor who can treat us in the community is an achievement. Together with the community group, we are looking for ways to accompany and facilitate the stay of the health personnel.”
Anaibis excitedly tells 26 that the residents feel involved in each of the changes that have been made.
“They come to the clinic to see if they need anything, they bring water and snacks, and even though their meals are guaranteed, we feel that this is part of the care we can provide them.”
“We are aware of the difficult situation our country is going through, which is why we have linked up directly with the Municipal Health Department, and every time decisions are to be made regarding the clinic, they call on us to participate.”
It is clear that in Southern Argentina, the people are willing to take care of this long-awaited project.
