The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC) included several Cuban doctors in its "list of white coat repressors" following their participation in a television broadcast in Cuba regarding the late child Damir Ortiz, without the consent of his mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
According to Rolando Cartaya, spokesperson for the foundation, the involved doctors "participated in a television farce" aimed at absolving the Cuban healthcare system in the case of the minor and placing the blame on the mother.
"They have concealed serious medical negligence and violated the family's right to the truth," stated in exclusive remarks to journalist Mario J Pentón.
The professionals mentioned are Arais Consuegra, director of the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital; Orestes López, director of the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Wilfredo Roque García, director of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology; and José Luis Aparicio, hematologist and executive from MINSAP responsible for postgraduate programs.
According to the complaint, the doctors—who did not even treat the child directly— stated on National Television in Cuba that Damir received appropriate care, when in reality they did not even have basic painkillers like tramadol, and multiple tests were conducted without reaching a definitive diagnosis.
Cartaya stated that the doctors refused to sign a letter to authorize the transfer of the minor to the United States, where he ultimately died in septic condition, despite the fact that the cultures were reported as negative in Cuba.
Additionally, while in Cuba the child was treated for a supposed Burkitt lymphoma, in the U.S. it was determined that he did not have this disease, which reinforces the allegations of misdiagnosis and concealment of clinical information.
"For us, they are white coat repressors. They have used their medical position to defend the regime's narrative rather than the rights of the patient," concluded Cartaya, who stated that the goal of the list is to expose the regime's oppressors to public shame.
In the case of the doctors, none of them attended to Damir directly; they have merely become spokespersons defending a regime and a collapsed healthcare system, he reiterated.
Pentón, for his part, recalled the media lynching that the mother of the minor has been subjected to; and stated that the list has consequences for the individuals named should they wish to come to the U.S., he emphasized.
The child's mother began her complaints over two years ago when the child's health deteriorated, and she had to deal with the shortage of basic medicines in the hospitals on the island to care for him.
In recent months, his requests for help mobilized thousands of Cubans both inside and outside the island, successfully resulting in Damir being transferred to the United States by air ambulance despite the obstacles imposed by the regime.
However, the minor arrived in septic condition and was unable to overcome the complications from a bacteria he likely contracted in Cuba, and he passed away on Saturday.
Her mother has promised to take the case to court and said she is preparing a lawsuit against the Cuban government for the inadequate medical care on the island, especially in the case of children with complicated illnesses like the one her son suffered from.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of the boy Damir Ortiz in Cuba
Why were the Cuban doctors included on the list of "white coat repressors"?
Doctors were included on the list for participating in a television farce that attempted to exonerate the Cuban healthcare system in the case of the child Damir Ortiz, blaming the mother and concealing medical negligence. The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba accuses them of violating the family's right to the truth.
What neglects occurred in Damir Ortiz's treatment in Cuba?
Damir received an incorrect diagnosis of leukemia in Cuba and was subjected to inadequate treatment that worsened his health. Additionally, there were no basic medications available, and his timely transfer to the United States was denied, where it was determined that he did not have the disease diagnosed in Cuba.
What was Damir's mother's role in his treatment and transfer?
Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, fought tirelessly to improve her son's healthcare and secure his transfer to the United States. Despite the accusations from the Cuban regime, her bravery was recognized by activists and doctors who supported her cause, ultimately enabling his relocation to Miami where he received the appropriate treatment.
Why is the case of Damir Ortiz significant for the Cuban healthcare system?
The case of Damir Ortiz highlights the ineffectiveness and collapse of the Cuban health system, which failed to correctly diagnose and adequately treat the child. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the regime prioritizes ideology over the well-being of its citizens, generating criticism and outrage both inside and outside of Cuba.
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