The members of the trade union section of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology “Dr. José Manuel Ballester Santovenia” reaffirm that they will uphold the Labor Feat distinction as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the center, which they will commemorate in the Year of the Centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
In 2021, the National Union of Health Workers awarded the Labor Feat Flag for achievements in scientific research and patient care during the fight against COVID-19.
This distinction motivates the IHI collective to continue fostering a culture of effort and, within the group, to recognize those who stand out in their contributions to public health, as proclaimed at the year‑end activity held at the Casa de la Música de Galeano, enlivened by the group “Pupi y los que son, son.”
Amid the joy and collective recognition, they reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with responsibility and a vocation for service, and also emphasized that all IHI workers are equally important for fulfilling the institution’s mission.
The work of the service staff was sincerely and emotionally acknowledged—among them drivers, maintenance workers, cleaning staff, kitchen staff, and other support areas—who, together with health professionals, have managed to remain united like a true family, working in solidarity and consistently for the well‑being of the population.
The program to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the IHI includes a tribute to José Manuel Ballester Santovenia, whose name the institution bears, for having been its guide, leader, and director for many years, a Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, and senior researcher, with a rich scientific and political career.
As sources of inspiration for greater endeavors, the collective proclaims its work in caring for children affected by the Chernobyl accident, and its participation in confronting and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the last days of this year, the center’s workers took part in sanitation efforts that benefited the surrounding community, and also carried out cleaning and beautification actions for the institution’s own building and its areas.
Located since June 16, 2018, in the capital municipality of Plaza de la Revolución, the IHI was founded on December 2, 1966, at San Francisco (100th Street) and Perla, in the Altahabana neighborhood, Boyeros municipality, Havana province.
It was created as a scientific research institute of the Ministry of Public Health on December 1, 1966, through Resolution No. 500 of 1966, by then Minister of Public Health Commander Dr. José Ramón Machado Ventura. Dr. Ernesto de la Torre Montejo was appointed as the founding director.
During the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, the Cuban Workers’ Central established the Merit for Humanism, Sensitivity, and Solidarity award, which was received by 44 men and women who were dedicated to caring for patients positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19.
On that occasion, the National Union of Health Workers (SNTS) and BioCubaFarma also awarded the Men of Science distinction to 16 workers of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology.
