The Center for Medical and Surgical Research (El Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas) (CIMEQ) in west Havana near the Siboney Clinic was founded on March 26, 1982. It is both a hospital and an institution of scientific and technological learning. CIMEQ is a part of Cuba’s health care system and scientific development. Classified as a general and teaching hospital, it provides specialized medical, stomatological and nursing care among its specialities, focused on the prevention, healing and rehabilitation of patients.
It is the venue of the National Examination Boards for doctoral examinations in clinical and surgical sciences, and the specialties.
CIMEQ holds the reputation of the crown jewel of the island’s health care system, providing the best care. It was the first hospital to use CAT scan technology on the island, and is reputedly at the forefront for marrow, liver and kidney transplants.
Under the direction of Dr. Roberto Castellanos Gutiérrez, the CIMEQ has provided medical care to such high-profile patients as the ballerina Alicia Alonso, the boxing great Teofilo Stevenson, Presidents Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Evo Morales of Bolivia, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Cuba’s Fidel Castro—all were patients at the CIMEQ. However, the esteemed hospital’s most well-known patients are the Cuban people themselves.
Outpatient services are offered by appointment. CIMEQ is open 24 hours, seven days a week and provides emergency care.
Other patient services by the CIMEQ hospital include:
- Cancer treatments
- Emergency care.
- Comprehensive care for women.
- Cardiovascular care: Vascular, cardiovascular and cardio interventionism.
- Teaching, scientific and research development.
- Lung disease
- Dentistry [Stomatology] and dental implants.
- Neurosurgery and neurointerventionism.
- Laser procedures
- Minimum access surgery
- Organ and tissue Transplantation of organs and tissues
- Pain management
- Treatment with medicinal gases
- Bucomaxillofacial program.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation