The daughter of Dr. Raúl González Hernández, the creator of the renowned Cuban medication Trofin, raised her voice this Sunday to demand the recognition owed to her father, the scientist who conceived and developed the product in the 1990s, widely used in the country as an anti-anemic treatment.
Elizabeth González Aznar stated on Facebook that her father, despite being the main architect of Trofin, does not appear as the owner or creator of the medication due to the intellectual property policies in Cuba, where scientific works are legally owned by institutions and not by individuals.
El Trofin, registered as a medication in 1992 and patented two years later, has made a significant contribution to health in Cuba. However, its creator, after retiring, has faced the humiliating necessity of begging to obtain some bottles of the product when he has needed it for his family, despite being the architect of its development.
According to González, the current system in Cuba does not allow researchers to register their discoveries in their own name, limiting their recognition to the role of "author or principal investigator" within an institution.
He considered that this legal framework has left many Cuban scientists in anonymity, including those whose developments have had a significant impact, as is the case with his own father.
"My father dedicated years of effort and sacrifice to create Trofin, but his name does not appear as the owner of the product. In Cuba, scientists do not have the right to personal intellectual property. Everything is registered in the name of institutions, which makes the true creators invisible," his daughter reported.
The situation you describe affects not only your father but also other researchers in the country. While in many parts of the world, scientists are recognized as the intellectual owners of their work, in Cuba, the state structure prioritizes institutions, leaving creators in the background.
The scientist's daughter emphasized the importance of recognizing the individuals behind advancements: "Cuban scientists have made significant contributions to the country's development, but often they work in anonymity, without receiving the recognition or rights they deserve for their achievements."
This statement aims to highlight the need to shift the focus towards creators of scientific products in Cuba, promoting a culture of recognition that values their individual efforts and their impact on society.
"I will defend my father and all the oppressed scientists, because their work not only changed lives but also deserves to be recognized as such," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Raúl González Hernández and Scientific Recognition in Cuba
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a prominent Cuban scientist known for creating the anti-anemia medication Trofin. Despite his significant contribution to Cuban public health, he faces challenges in gaining official recognition due to the intellectual property policies in Cuba.
What is Trofin and what is its significance in Cuba?
Trofin is an anti-anemia medication developed by Dr. Raúl González Hernández in the 1990s. It is widely used in Cuba to treat anemia, particularly in patients who do not tolerate conventional treatments, and it has had a significant impact on the health of many Cubans.
Why is Dr. González Hernández not recognized as the creator of Trofin?
In Cuba, intellectual property policies do not allow scientists to be individually recognized as owners of their discoveries. Instead, scientific works are registered in the name of the institutions, leaving the true creators anonymous.
What problems does Dr. González face in accessing Trofin?
Dr. González Hernández is facing difficulties in obtaining Trofin, the medication he developed himself, due to scarcity and a lack of priority in access since his retirement. This situation reflects the lack of institutional support and recognition of his scientific legacy.
How does the lack of recognition affect scientists in Cuba?
The lack of individual recognition affects both access to benefits and the personal dignity of scientists in Cuba. The state structure prioritizes institutions over individuals, rendering their contributions invisible and leaving many without the respect and attention they deserve for their achievements.
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