The outcry comes in reaction to comments by government officials that the doctors say scapegoat medics for the country's worsening plight while downplaying precarious conditions predating the current crisis.

"I want to denounce the collapse of our health system in our hospital as well as in the rest of the country, due to a lack of resources and protective gear," said Francisco Pavon in a video shared on social media, featuring more than 20 doctors and medical students in the eastern province of Holguin.

Others took to Facebook or messaging platforms to denounce the critical situation and demand more support from authorities.

Similar criticism has been seen elsewhere globally during the pandemic as medical staff have reached a breaking point while infections have ballooned, overwhelming even the richest of healthcare systems.

But in Cuba it is unusual, as authorities often restrict public dissent, saying unity is necessary to combat open United States attempts to force political change.

And the topic is especially sensitive. Health care is considered one of the pillars of legitimacy of Cuba's "revolutionary" one-party system, having produced results on a par with rich nations.

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