• Resource shortages and energy instability have put all the objective and subjective resources of Las Tunas’ largest hospital to the test. Maintaining healthcare services remains a challenge that comes at a high daily cost.

“One Sunday, we lost power. I never thought the Ernesto Guevara Hospital would lose power. The National Electric System (SEN in Spanish) failed, the protection line failed, and both generators failed... We were without electricity for 40 minutes with six patients on ventilators and critically ill children in the Neonatal Unit.

“It was very satisfying to see how no one panicked, no one got stressed; everyone got to work doing their part, and we put into practice the measures we had been developing to face a possible contingency that did indeed arrive... And we succeeded; we were able to keep the institution running and ensure that everything remained calm in the midst of that blackout.”

…
The conversation with Dr. Marianela Zapata, director of the Ernesto Guevara Provincial Hospital, brings to light details of the complex situation that has characterized public health in the region, particularly at the healthcare center designed to handle all medical emergencies in the province.

Throughout 2025, amid worsening shortages, healthcare services for the population remained fully operational thanks to sheer determination. At the same time, resident training was strengthened to support the functioning of the various specialties.

Dr. Marianela asserts that these results were sustained thanks to the professional quality within the institution; otherwise, it would have been impossible.

The director emphasizes that last year they faced greater complexity due to the energy crisis and the lack of medical supplies; added to this was a shortage of 138 beds and around 200 mattresses, to cite just one example.

She clarifies that they also faced high morbidity rates across all specialties, challenges in communicating with some municipalities regarding patient referrals and counter-referrals, and, above all, they took on the task of preventing any misconduct related to the provision of services.

“We had to adapt to the conditions of resource shortages and the energy crisis without compromising quality,” says the doctor. “To do so, we had to review and adapt our processes to the current situation.

“We were able to strengthen the relationship between Primary Health Care (APS in Spanish) and Secondary Care to improve management and indicators. We also set out to improve communication with municipalities and promote prevention and health promotion to reduce demand at the hospital.

“It was a complex year, but one of results. I truly believe that our greatest strength is our team of workers and our understanding of the current context. We, too, are part of that population outside facing blackouts and high prices, but we must rise to the occasion through training to provide quality care to the population and resolve their health issues...”

The staff at “Guevara” works with the challenge of maintaining daily oversight to protect resources and personnel. They seek to encourage the use of clinical judgment for the rational use of diagnostic tools and, similarly, to carry out health promotion activities to empower the population.

Recent experiences have made them an example of how the team’s preparedness and unity allow them to successfully face the most critical and unexpected situations.