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The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) shared a post on its Facebook page titled "Saving Feat," in which it highlighted the successful surgery performed by a medical team at the José Martí Provincial Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus.
According to the post, "a medical team successfully performed a complex operation to remove a benign cystic lymphangioma weighing over a pound from a patient just four years old." The publication added that "the boy Keiler Coca Valdivia will be riding his horse without reins" and praised the professionals' work as an example of dedication and commitment.
The post, which included good wishes for the child, celebrations for the success of the intervention, and compliments for the medical effort, also drew harsh criticism of the Cuban healthcare system, highlighting its shortcomings and recalling the case of the boy Damir Ortiz.
"Did the family have to bring the materials, or were they available at the hospital? My neighbor needs surgery, and they sent him home until he gets everything for the operation," commented a user, reflecting the shortcomings faced by patients in other healthcare centers.
Others pointed out that this publication seemed like an attempt to improve the image of the healthcare system. "You have no shame at all. Using a little boy for propaganda to divert attention from the other issues. #SOSDAMIR"; "Don't run away now. It’s not just the case of #Damir, there are thousands of examples. Many mothers remain silent out of fear of reprisals; I personally know a case of a mother with a son who has paralysis due to negligence at birth. But there are thousands, thousands. The information has slipped out of their hands," they were told in this regard.
"That's great for that boy, but they are now rushing for the Damir case. I wish they treated everyone like this," wrote one commentator. "What's going on with Damir? Why the long wait for a paper that takes 5 minutes to complete?" asked another.
While some applauded the medical effort, critiques also questioned MINSAP's approach to public communication. "Congratulations, but there is still much more to be done. So no to triumphalism; it causes a lot of harm and tends to minimize the problems."
"I think it's good that the Ministry of Health is concerned about its institutional communication, but is it only during communication crises?" another person asked.
The case of Cuban boy Damir Ortiz was frequently mentioned in the comments. "Why didn't they do the same for #SOSDAMIR ten years ago, or when he still had a better prognosis? Why does that mother suffer so much and not receive the help she needs for her child to have a quality of life?" wrote one user. "Why does this seem like cheap propaganda to overshadow Damir's case a bit?"; "Congratulations on the victory, but what about Damir? Please, for the sake of humanity, set aside pride and political issues and finally provide the letter so that a visa can be granted and he can receive care elsewhere in the U.S., Europe, wherever it may be; time is running out and he deserves a chance too," added others.
The Damir Ortiz case: a contrast that causes outrage
The Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, 10 years old, suffers from type 1 neurofibromatosis, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and a possible leukemia under investigation. Since 2023, his case has become a symbol of the shortcomings and obstacles of the Cuban healthcare system.
According to his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, Damir requires specialized treatment that is not available in Cuba. A hospital in Miami has agreed to accept him, providing access to advanced therapies that do not exist on the island. However, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has refused to issue a letter certifying that the treatment is unavailable in Cuba, which is an essential document for obtaining a humanitarian visa.
Recently, the United States Embassy in Havana denied the humanitarian visa to Damir due to the lack of this documentation. The MINSAP, for its part, argued that the minor "has received specialized medical attention and access to high-cost medications." According to statements from official media, the ministry claimed that it invested $500,000 in the medication Koselugo (selumetinib), aimed at treating his illness, and that Damir has been continuously monitored with advanced technology, such as high-field nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
However, Damir's mother and activists involved in the #SOSDAMIR campaign have reported that the healthcare system lacks the necessary resources and capabilities to treat the minor. Eliannis Ramírez has pointed out on several occasions that her son's tumor affects areas of the brain deemed inoperable in Cuba, and the lack of basic supplies, such as medication to manage pain, worsens his condition.
The MINSAP has also justified its refusal to issue the letter by stating that a transfer abroad could worsen the child's condition. In a public statement, they indicated that "due to the complexity of the illness and the reserved nature of the diagnosis, the patient does not meet the criteria for transfer; as they would face, among other risks, the possibility of a cardiorespiratory arrest." This stance has been fiercely challenged by activists and citizens, who believe that the state uses this argument to avoid acknowledging failures in the healthcare system.
Currently, Damir remains in intensive care at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, with kidney complications and eye inflammation. According to his mother, each day that passes without access to the specialized treatment he needs puts the child's life at risk. The fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, led by activist Diasniurka Salcedo, aims to cover the $40,000 required for the child's treatment and travel, but the lack of a letter from MINSAP remains the biggest obstacle.
The case of Damir Ortiz, which initially came to light in 2023, has generated outrage both inside and outside of Cuba. Meanwhile, the contrast between the actions of MINSAP in this case and the celebration of a "medical achievement" in Sancti Spíritus has only fueled criticism of the Cuban healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health System in Cuba and the Case of Damir Ortiz
Why does the case of Damir Ortiz generate so much criticism toward the Cuban healthcare system?
The case of Damir Ortiz has generated criticism because it highlights the shortcomings and obstacles of the Cuban healthcare system. Despite needing a specialized treatment not available on the island, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has refused to issue the necessary documentation for Damir to receive treatment abroad, which has hindered his access to advanced therapies at a hospital in Miami.
What is the #SOSDAMIR campaign and what is its objective?
The #SOSDAMIR campaign is an effort driven by activists and Damir's mother to raise funds and gain international support for his transfer to the United States for medical treatment. Through platforms like GoFundMe, they aim to gather $40,000 to cover medical and travel expenses.
How has the MINSAP responded to the criticisms regarding Damir's case?
The MINSAP has argued that Damir has received specialized medical attention and access to expensive medication in Cuba. However, it has denied the necessary letter for his transfer abroad, justifying that the trip could worsen his medical condition. This stance has been criticized by activists and citizens who believe that the government uses these arguments to avoid acknowledging failures in the healthcare system.
What are the main shortcomings of the healthcare system in Cuba according to citizen complaints?
Citizen complaints highlight the shortage of basic medical supplies, medications, and equipment in Cuban hospitals. This crisis affects the quality and speed of medical care, forcing patients to bring their own supplies to receive proper treatment.
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