News · Health
'60 Minutes' documents William Soler hospital as deputy minister admits 'much responsibility'
The CBS News program showed surgeries finished by cellphone light and shortages of anaesthetics at the Havana children's hospital; Carlos Fernández de Cossío acknowledged government responsibility and pointed to the embargo.
The CBS News program '60 Minutes' filmed at the William Soler Pediatric Hospital in Havana, where the head of intensive care, Alejandro Chong, said doctors have finished surgeries using the light of their cellphones and have pumped oxygen by hand for patients on ventilators when the generators fail.
Chong said a two-month-old baby, abandoned and suffering from malnutrition and dehydration, weighed less than five pounds and that, lacking specialized formulas, doctors turned to preparations made from malanga and chicken. CBS also reported that a toddler had been waiting 68 days for an oxygenator component needed for her operation, a part that normally takes two days.
The network reported that Chong earns more from the food stand he owns than from running the intensive care unit, and that pediatric surgery resident Lórien Rodríguez supports herself working as a radio announcer. According to the program, doctors say cancer drugs, anaesthetics and lab equipment are in critically short supply.
Periódico Cubano reported that, asked about the authorities' responsibility for the deterioration of the power plants, low wages and shortages, deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío answered: 'Our government has much responsibility because there could have been decisions that could have been better.' Cubanet reported the same admission.
Periódico Cubano reported that the admitted baby initially left intensive care, suffered respiratory complications and died on October 29. CBS placed the report in a context of tightening sanctions: Washington says it does not intend to restrict food or medical supplies, but many foreign companies will not sell them to Cuba for fear of U.S. penalties.
Sources: CBS News Miami · Periódico Cubano · Cubadebate · Cubanet
Data updated: 2026-11-02T19:00:00.000Z