The Art of Saving the First Smiles

In the neonatology unit of the provincial “Camilo Cienfuegos” Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, life begins amid monitors, incubators, and expert hands that know no rest. In this space, Dr. Midalis Martínez Barrios leads a team that transforms uncertainty into hope, facing daily the challenge of saving the most fragile lives.

Stories That Define a Nearly Three-Decade Career

Martínez is a specialist in neonatology and holds a Master’s in Child Health. Since 1993, when she began her work at this hospital, her career has been marked by unwavering dedication. “I don’t feel like I’m working because I truly enjoy what I do,” she confesses with a smile. That passion has driven her to devote both days and nights to her tiniest patients, always prioritizing the well-being of newborns and their families.

Over her 29 years of experience, she has witnessed countless stories, many defined by the challenge of saving lives in extreme circumstances. “One I will never forget is Mario’s. His mother, a 14-year-old teenager, faced a premature delivery. Mario was born with severe complications, but he survived. He went home after more than two months of struggle in our unit,” she recalls, emotion evident in her voice.

She also remembers what happened in 2011, when two extremely premature babies arrived in the unit—born at just 26 weeks and weighing less than 1,000 grams. For over a month, doctors and nurses worked tirelessly until both survived.

The neonatology department at “Camilo Cienfuegos” Hospital not only offers hope but also delivers tangible results. With a survival rate of 98% among critical patients and 95% among ventilated patients in 2024, this team demonstrates that commitment and discipline can make a difference, even when resources are limited.

Dr. Martínez Barrios emphasizes that, although they face challenges similar to those in other hospitals across the country, the secret to their success lies in the love and dedication each team member brings to their work. “We don’t employ extraordinary technologies; we work with great discipline and go the extra mile for each patient,” she affirms.

The First Home for the Little Ones

The neonatology unit has 37 beds distributed between a closed and an open area, including specialized sections such as intensive care, intermediate care, isolation, and a space for skin-to-skin contact. This design addresses not only medical needs but also emotional ones, allowing mothers and babies to remain together in a controlled and safe environment.

Every month, more than 100 children are admitted to this unit, whether due to birth complications or serious illnesses. Among the most challenging conditions they face is severe pulmonary hypertension—a disease that tests the medical team in every case. “Saving a baby with this condition is an achievement that reinforces our conviction that every effort is worthwhile,” the doctor confesses.