The daughter of Dr. Raúl González Hernández, creator of the anti-anemic TROFIN and a prominent Cuban scientist, reported on social media this Saturday the humiliating situation her father is experiencing in Cuba.
Elizabeth González Aznar reported on Facebook that her father, Dr. González Hernández, 79 years old and a lifetime devoted to scientific research, has been forced to "beg" for the medication he developed himself to treat his daughter, who suffers from chronic iron deficiency anemia.
Dr. González Hernández, a PhD and lead researcher, worked for over 45 years on developing a line of antianemic products under the name TROFIN, including syrups and tablets combined with essential nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid.
He was the founder and leader of the Antianemic Laboratory at the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen), leaving an invaluable legacy in Cuban public health, noted his daughter.
However, after his retirement, the scientist has been consigned to oblivion by the institutions to which he dedicated his professional life.
González reported that, despite being the creator of the medication, his father does not receive any priority in accessing the TROFIN, facing a system that, in his words, lacks ethics and humanity.
The report detailed that, on several occasions, Dr. González Hernández has had to turn to former colleagues at BioCen to request the medication, often without success.
Even in critical moments, such as a hip surgery that left him anemic, they barely managed to obtain a single vial of TROFIN thanks to the intervention of a neighbor who works at the center.
The situation became more desperate when the medication stopped being available in state pharmacies and began to be sold on the black market at exorbitant prices, reaching 500 pesos per unit.
"It is degrading that my father, after so many years of hard work, has to beg for the product he himself created," the daughter expressed with indignation.
The narrative also highlights the lack of recognition that Dr. González Hernández faces as the creator of TROFIN, since, under the Cuban system, individual intellectual property is not acknowledged.
"Although there is no category of 'owner' of a product in our system, my father is, and his contribution is recognized internationally," he added.
The scientist's daughter concluded her statement by demanding respect and justice for her father, who dedicated his life to improving the health of millions of Cubans: "I will not be silent any longer. Honor to whom honor is due. Respect and ethics, that's what I will demand," she finished.
Social media has become a recurring space for Cubans to denounce the "abandonment" faced by the elderly from the Cuban regime, especially upon reaching retirement and concluding their working lives.
Recently, the activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, shared the poignant story of a 72-year-old woman who, driven by need and scarcity, knocked on her door in Havana asking for food.
"The government's debt to the elderly is unpayable," the activist concluded sadly after her conversation with Felicia, whose story she shared on Facebook.
A couple of years ago, two elderly Cuban men reported the dire situation in which they live: alone, ill, and without any financial assistance from the government.
Luis Gané Cruz, 82 years old, requested through the independent news agency CubaNet that the State provide at least a minimal pension for him and his 81-year-old brother Pedro, with which they can cover some expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Raúl González Hernández and Trofin.
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a Cuban veterinarian and biotechnologist, recognized for his outstanding work as a researcher at the National Center for Biopreparations (BIOCEN) in Cuba. Throughout his career, he has led significant projects, particularly in the area of anti-anemics. His most well-known contribution is the development of Trofín, a natural biopreparation with anti-anemic properties.
What is Trofin?
Trofín was designed as an alternative for treating anemia, particularly in patients who do not tolerate conventional treatments with iron salts. Clinical studies showed very promising results: in 86% of cases involving children with iron deficiency anemia, there was an effective recovery of hemoglobin levels, and the majority of patients also demonstrated good tolerance.
What is the situation regarding access to medications in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is critical, forcing many citizens to turn to the black market to obtain them at exorbitant prices. This situation affects both the elderly and healthcare professionals, who often have to seek basic supplies on their own, according to recurring reports on social media.
What role do social media play in the reports about the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial platform for Cubans to denounce the lack of medical supplies, mistreatment in hospitals, and other shortcomings of the healthcare system. Cases like that of Dr. González and other citizens illustrate how these reports aim to highlight critical situations and exert pressure to obtain necessary care and resources.
How does the scarcity of resources affect Cuban families with sick children?
The scarcity of resources in Cuba has a devastating impact on families with children suffering from chronic or serious illnesses. The lack of proper medications and food further complicates the situation for these minors, who rely on special diets and treatments that are not always accessible, forcing their families to seek desperate solutions.
What are the consequences of the lack of recognition for scientists in Cuba?
In Cuba, the lack of recognition for scientists and their contributions impacts both their access to the benefits of their work and their personal dignity. The system does not acknowledge individual intellectual property, leading to situations like that of Dr. González, who, despite his legacy, does not receive the respect or attention he deserves from the institutions he worked for.
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