Cuban doctors confronted the official spokesperson Humberto López following his threats against those who report irregularities in healthcare in the country.
This has been the regime's stance following the scandal of the Damir Ortiz case, a child who, after receiving an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate treatment, was transferred to the United States, where he is now receiving specialized care.
In response, healthcare workers have expressed their disagreement and refuted the government's arguments, reflecting the discontent and concern regarding the conditions of the healthcare system on the Island
"And why do we have to invent solutions to address the problem? We study, we have the knowledge, empathy, and the desire to serve, but it is the government's responsibility to provide the bare minimum. They are human beings, not a project to experiment with; it constantly exposes doctors to situations that distract them from what we know how to do: heal..." affirmed a doctor from a hospital in Havana.
A worker at a polyclinic added:
"What good is it for them to be good doctors if, when they have the patient in front of them describing their ailment, they are unable to order even a simple test to determine the cause of the discomfort? They are not fortune tellers; they are doctors who need to order tests to provide a diagnosis instead of just guessing blindly. Adding to that is the poor treatment that doctors receive during on-call shifts."
A resident physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology emphasized ironically: "Remember that this child is here because of everything we lack and everything we have too much of. And that is blind because of everything we lack and everything we have too much of. And that will undergo an eye enucleation because of everything we lack and everything we have too much of. Just to remind you!"
On his part, Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, who actively participated in the campaign for the child Damir and for that reason the government is defaming him and accusing him of falsifying his resume, stated:
"Is this what they were going to do or said they would do today on national TV to lynch me? Defame me, ummmm, so what happened to all that? (...) I am the 'practicing' doctor, and I have a name. I am Dr. Ruano. And where are the proofs of my alleged crimes? 'Criminal' unproven! Lots of talk and no evidence!"
A few days ago, during a broadcast of the television news, Humberto López led a segment titled "Cuba Rejects Campaign of Defamation Against Cuban Medicine," in which he issued a direct warning to those who expose the shortcomings of the public health system on the Island.
López emphasized that the Constitution protects individuals and institutions against questioning on social media and other platforms, suggesting that those who express criticisms could face legal consequences
"Anyone who plays with something as sacred as health should receive their due," he stated in a defiant tone, but without providing details about the legal framework that would allow such retribution.
In the newscast, he acknowledged the shortcomings of the Cuban public health system, but on social media, he tried to humanize his stance with a message filled with silences and ambiguities. "With everything we lack and everything we have in excess," he said.
The comment was interpreted by many as an attempt to divert attention from the real scandal, which actually involves allegations of abandonment, medical negligence, and manipulation in the case of Damir, who spent years ill in Cuba without receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Her mother claims that the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) violated her and her son's privacy by discussing the matter on television without consent.
"They were letting him die," assured Eliannis Ramírez, who explained that once in the United States, Damir began to improve thanks to appropriate treatment.
During a press conference on Monday in Miami, Eliannis detailed medical negligence experienced in Cuba, such as poorly performed biopsies, incorrect diagnoses, and a shortage of medications that he had to obtain on his own.
In addition, she reported that since she began raising her voice on social media, the regime has ignored her and launched a campaign to discredit her.
The MINSAP insisted that the medical decisions regarding Damir were made by consensus and blamed the mother for not authorizing certain procedures. However, Ramírez argues that the system failed at all levels and that his son survives thanks to managing to leave the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health System Crisis in Cuba and the Case of Damir Ortiz
What is the current state of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a severe crisis that is evident in the shortage of medical resources, misdiagnoses, and structural deficiencies in hospitals. This situation has even been acknowledged by spokespersons of the regime, although criticisms are often dismissed or suppressed by the Cuban government.
What irregularities have been reported in the case of the boy Damir Ortiz?
The case of Damir Ortiz has unveiled multiple irregularities, such as incorrect diagnoses, medical negligence, and a lack of resources for his treatment in Cuba. His mother reported that the Cuban health system violated his privacy by treating the case publicly without his consent. Following an intense campaign, Damir was transferred to the United States, where he has begun to receive appropriate care.
How has the Cuban government reacted to criticism of its healthcare system?
The Cuban government has responded to criticism with legal threats and a defamation campaign against those who point out the shortcomings of the healthcare system. Official spokesperson Humberto López has warned that those who publicly question medical care could face legal consequences, although he has not specified the legal framework that would allow this. This stance has been criticized for restricting freedom of speech.
What role has Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano played in the Damir case?
Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano has been a key figure in the campaign for adequate medical care for Damir Ortiz. He has been critical of the Cuban healthcare system and has faced a smear campaign by the regime, which accuses him of falsifying his resume. Nonetheless, Ruano has defended his reputation and continues to expose the shortcomings of the system from his exile in Colombia.
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