Peter Wilfried Koch is a German tourist. He keeps his dream of enjoying winter vacations every year at the renowned Cuban resort of Varadero, in the province of Matanzas. However, Peter is not an ordinary tourist. He has a special condition that requires great care for both him and the medical and hotel staff: he suffers from stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Every week he must undergo hemodialysis on alternate days.

Peter has been traveling to Cuba since his diagnosis four years ago. In Varadero, he finds both leisure and health. The team at the Vacation Hemodialysis Clinic in Varadero, part of the International Clinic of Varadero of the Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company, S.A., ensures his treatment, offers high-quality service, and provides personalized care.

“Everything is very good here. It’s the same doctor and nurse, which gives me greater confidence. I live very far away, and when I have problems I can come here to receive treatment and enjoy my vacation. I feel very confident coming to Varadero because of the safety and tranquility. I feel well.”

At the institution, 230 patients have been treated since its founding in 2017. Specialists in Nephrology and highly qualified staff dedicated to caring for people with kidney diseases have provided 447 hemodialysis services.

Dr. Yiselis Santana Gutiérrez, head of the service, explains that patients travel with the confidence of receiving treatment, resting, and enjoying the benefits of Varadero. “We provide hemodialysis services and consultations for acute nephrological conditions. It is a daily challenge. One must be well qualified and ensure safety in procedures and quality in medical care.”

The team guarantees service in daily sessions from morning to afternoon. For this, they have five artificial kidneys from the Fresenius brand—advanced in the field of Nephrology—a water purification plant of their own, and a stabilization room for incoming patients. In case of any emergency or serious complication, they have a mechanical ventilator, precursor syringes, suction devices, a defibrillator, electrocardiogram equipment, and a crash cart; in other words, everything necessary for quality care.

“It has had a great impact. Before the creation of the clinic, these people could not travel and enjoy vacations with their families, as they needed hemodialysis treatment to live. Now they travel safely, receive the service, and then return to the hotel to continue their daily life with their families and enjoy Varadero.”

Travelers and their families can make reservations through travel agencies, via the clinic’s Facebook page, directly through WhatsApp, or by email at direccionaclinica@var.co.cu
. The facility, very accessible and located at 27th Street and First Avenue, Varadero, is also distinguished by the beauty of its surroundings.

There, tourists discover a beach with a bright blue sea, very white sands, and a unique atmosphere, with the assurance that their health is also guaranteed.

By: Pedro Rizo Martínez
Photos: Raúl Navarro