The Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who suffers from a serious illness and requires specialized treatment that is not available in Cuba, has not remained silent in the face of the Ministry of Public Health's refusal to allow him to travel to the United States, where he could access alternative therapies.
"I need you to share this video because I need to improve, I need eye surgery, leg surgery. I need you to share it, to believe, so that I can leave this country and be treated in another hospital that has accepted me," cried the 10-year-old boy in a video shared on Facebook by his mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
The regime intends to use the case of the boy Damir as an example of its healthcare system. It denies his transfer to another country under the pretext that it could worsen his condition.
The minor and his mother went to the United States Embassy in Havana on Thursday to request a humanitarian visa, after a hospital in Miami agreed to treat him.
Unfortunately, the diplomatic office denied the visa as they were required to present a letter of authorization from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). However, the agency refused to provide such documentation, claiming that Cuba has the necessary resources to treat the child.
Damir was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as a possible leukemia under evaluation.
Following the attention that the case has garnered on the Internet, the government shared an editorial insisting that since the onset of his illness, the minor has received specialized medical care and access to high-tech resources.
"Due to the complexity of the illness and the reserved diagnosis, the patient is not considered suitable for transfer, as they would face, among other risks, the possibility of a cardio-respiratory arrest, along with other complications that could lead to death," states the MINSAP.
The last few days have been distressing for Damir's mother, who is currently in intensive care at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, suffering from kidney damage and inflammation in both eyes.
According to activist Yamilka Laffita (Lara Crofs), the medical staff even refused to provide a wheelchair. When the mother finally managed to get the wheelchair in the room, another ordeal began: arranging the ambulance transfer to the U.S. embassy.
Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, an activist based in the United States, is organizing a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover the costs of treatment and travel, with a goal of $40,000. So far, she has raised $17,175.
Diasniurka emphasized that Damir could receive treatment at a hospital in Miami, where he would have access to therapies not available in Cuba. Eliannis, his mother, has repeatedly denounced the precariousness and lack of resources in the Cuban healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions about the case of the Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez
Why is the Ministry of Health of Cuba denying Damir's transfer to the United States?
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) denies the transfer of Damir arguing that the country has the necessary resources to treat him and that the transfer could jeopardize his life, among other complications such as a cardiorespiratory arrest.
What illness does Damir have and what treatment does he need?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1 and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as a possible leukemia under investigation. He needs specialized treatment not available in Cuba, which could be provided at a hospital in Miami, where he would have access to advanced therapies.
What actions has Damir's family taken to obtain the necessary treatment?
Damir's family has tried to obtain a humanitarian visa at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, but it was denied due to lack of documentation from MINSAP. Additionally, they have launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover the costs of treatment and travel, with a goal of $40,000.
How has the international community reacted to Damir's case?
The case of Damir has generated a wave of solidarity in the Cuban community and among human rights activists, who are demanding that MINSAP and the Cuban government allow the child to be transferred to receive the necessary treatment. Complaints have been made on social media, and a fundraising campaign has been initiated to support the family.
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