The son of an Argentine tourist who underwent emergency surgery in Havana reported the neglect his mother is facing from the travel agency that organized her visit to the island, and warns that she has no means to pay for the high cost of medical services in Cuba.
Estela Margarita Fontana, 79 years old, is hospitalized in serious condition in the Cuban capital after experiencing an intestinal issue that required emergency surgery.
The woman purchased a health insurance plan as part of the travel package, but it only covers up to $800, an amount that has proven insufficient against the high medical costs totaling $10,000, according to statements from Hernán Cruz Tantucci, the patient's son.
Desperate, he decided to travel to Cuba to be with his mother and had to rent an apartment facing the clinic where she is hospitalized, which has further increased expenses. “As of today, we have spent $10,000,” Tantucci told the Argentine press.
In her opinion, the Nuova Viajes agency abandoned the family during this difficult time, failing to provide the promised assistance included in the insurance they purchased with the ticket. Estela Margarita Fontana remains in intensive care and on a ventilator.
"The company disappeared and never responded. Only the coordinator kept in touch initially, but he is no longer on the island. It’s all quite embarrassing," said Tantucci, who feels abandoned and unsupported despite being in contact with the Argentine Embassy in Havana.
Medical and accommodation costs in Cuba are unsustainable. The clinic requires payments to be made with a Visa or Mastercard, which Tantucci claims has made the process even more difficult, as it is challenging to send that amount of money from Argentina.
This case has garnered more attention due to a possible insurance fraud, as one of the executives from Nuova Viajes was allegedly convicted five years ago for embezzlement at another tourism company in General Pico.
The lack of assistance and the criminal record of one of those responsible have sparked criticism towards Nuova Viajes, while family and friends of Fontana demand that the company take responsibility for the situation.
The complaint from the Fontana family highlights the challenges faced by tourists and their loved ones during medical emergencies in Cuba. It serves as a warning for those planning trips to Havana without considering the high medical costs that may arise.
The so-called "medical powerhouse" does not offer its services for free to outsiders. Nationals also do not receive quality medical services at no cost.
For at least four years, patients in Cuban hospitals have had to bring all the supplies required for surgery. They obtain these items on the black market at exorbitant prices; otherwise, surgeries may be delayed indefinitely, as the government claims it lacks resources.
Another issue that travelers to Cuba face is the lack of medication.
In September, an Argentine tourist experiencing severe ear pain visited several pharmacies but couldn't find a pain reliever. At the hospital, a doctor attended to her, but they did not have any medication to alleviate her discomfort.
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