The story of two brothers with disabilities who need surgery to improve their quality of life has touched many social media users, following a desperate plea for help made by their mother, Yaineris Roque.
In a video shared on Facebook, Roque recounted that his children, currently 21 and 22 years old, started to experience difficulties walking and deformities in their legs when they were between five and six years old.
Since then, they have received medical attention at the Frank País, Juan Manuel Márquez, and William Soler hospitals.
The mother explained that her children underwent their first surgery on November 1, 2022, more than two and a half years ago, but unfortunately, they have not shown any improvement since then.
Desperate for answers, Yaineris contacts Frank País Hospital weekly, specifically reaching out to Dr. Lara, but she has not received any concrete solutions.
"Everything is a lie, the response they give me is that the room is under repair, that there are no resources, that I have to wait, that I should understand the situation the country is in," she expressed with frustration.
"My children are now 21 and 22 years old and have only had one surgery two and a half years ago, and I don't see any improvement at all," she added.
In light of the lack of resources and the precarious state of the healthcare system in Cuba, Yaineris Roque made an urgent appeal for international solidarity, requesting the necessary assistance for her children to receive appropriate medical treatment outside the country.
"I wholeheartedly ask you all, that if you believe my children can receive care at another hospital abroad through humanitarian visas, with your support, where they can improve and have a better quality of life regarding their health; I ask you to help me," she implored.
His children also shared another video on Facebook in which they describe his disability, caused by a lack of calcium and phosphorus in his bones.
Yaineris Roque, who faces the same health issues and uses crutches, described herself as a mother who tirelessly fights for the well-being of her children.
"Our lives have not been easy at all, but even so, we do not bow our heads in the face of difficulties. We move forward and do not turn our backs," she stated with determination.
The case of these two brothers adds to a long list of individuals who, amid the health and economic crisis in Cuba, seek help abroad as their only hope of receiving the medical attention they need.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Cuba
Why can't siblings with disabilities be operated on in Cuba?
The lack of resources and the deterioration of the Cuban healthcare system have prevented the siblings from receiving the surgery they need to improve their quality of life. Despite having undergone surgery before, they have not shown any improvement, and their mother has sought international assistance so they can receive appropriate treatment outside of Cuba.
What is the status of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a grave crisis due to a lack of resources, medical supplies, and specialized personnel. This situation has led numerous families to seek international assistance for treating illnesses that cannot be adequately addressed on the island, as evidenced by various cases of individuals applying for humanitarian visas to receive treatment abroad.
How is the economic situation affecting medical services in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to a shortage of resources in the healthcare system, severely affecting hospitals' ability to perform essential medical procedures. The lack of equipment, medications, and basic supplies has resulted in the inability to properly care for patients, leading to an increase in requests for assistance for treatments abroad.
What alternatives do Cuban families have to receive adequate medical care?
Many families turn to social media and the international community to request humanitarian visas that allow them to access medical treatment in other countries. This is one of the few alternatives available, given the deterioration of the healthcare system in Cuba and the authorities' refusal to allow treatments abroad.
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