The daughter of Dr. Raúl González Hernández, the creator of the anti-anemic medication Trofin and a prominent Cuban scientist, denounced on social media this Saturday the humiliating situation her father is enduring in Cuba.
Elizabeth González Aznar reported on Facebook that her father, Dr. González Hernández, at 79 years old and with a life dedicated 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 Doctor of Science and a principal researcher, has spent over 45 years developing a line of anti-anemia 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 relegated to obscurity by the institutions to which he dedicated his working life.
González reported that despite being the creator of the medication, his father does not receive any priority in accessing 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 reach out to former colleagues at BioCen to request the medication, with little success in most cases.
Even in critical moments, such as a hip surgery that left him anemic, they managed to obtain only a single vial of Trofin, thanks to the intervention of a neighbor who works at the center.
The situation became even more desperate when the medication disappeared from state pharmacies and started being sold on the black market at exorbitant prices, reaching up to 500 pesos per unit.
"It's degrading that my father, after so many years of sacrifice, has to beg for the product he himself created," the daughter expressed with indignation.
The account also highlights the lack of recognition faced by Dr. González Hernández as the creator of Trofin, since, under the Cuban system, individual intellectual property is not acknowledged.
"Although our system does not have a category of 'owner' of a product, my father is one, 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 remain silent any longer. Honor to whom honor is due. Respect and ethics, that is what I will demand,” she concluded.
Social media has become a frequent platform for Cubans to denounce the "abandonment" faced by the elderly from the Cuban regime, particularly when they reach retirement age and conclude their working lives.
Recently, activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, shared the touching 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 with sadness after her conversation with Felicia, whose story she shared on Facebook.
A couple of years ago, two elderly Cubans reported the terrible situation in which they live: alone, sick, and without receiving any financial assistance from the government.
Luis Gané Cruz, 82, appealed through the independent news agency CubaNet for the State to grant him and his brother Pedro, 81, at least a minimal pension to help them 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 distinguished career as a researcher at the National Center for Biopreparations (BIOCEN) in Cuba. Throughout his career, he has led significant projects, particularly in the field of anti-anemic treatments. His most well-known work is the development of Trofín, a natural biopreparation with anti-anemic properties.
What is Trofin?
Trofín was designed as an alternative to treat anemia, particularly in patients who do not tolerate conventional iron salt treatments. Clinical studies showed very promising results: in 86% of cases involving children with iron deficiency anemia, effective recovery of hemoglobin levels was achieved, and most patients demonstrated good tolerance.
What is the situation regarding access to medicines in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is critical, forcing many citizens to turn to the black market to acquire them at exorbitant prices. This situation impacts 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 report the shortage of medical supplies, mistreatment in hospitals, and other shortcomings of the healthcare system. Cases like that of Dr. González and other citizens demonstrate how these complaints aim to highlight critical situations and exert pressure to obtain necessary attention 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 adequate medications and food further complicates the situation for these children, who rely on special diets and treatments that are not always available, 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 such as that of Dr. González, who, despite his legacy, does not receive the respect or attention he deserves from the institutions he worked for.
Filed under: