Elizabeth González Aznar, daughter of Doctor in Sciences Raúl González Hernández, creator of the anti-anemic Trofin, revealed that her father has been forced to beg for the medication for his family members. Despite the seriousness of her claims, she said she does not fear reprisals because she believes that institutional indifference towards him has been evident since his retirement.
González explained on Facebook that they have had to rely on gestures of solidarity from others to obtain bottles of the product that has brought so many benefits to Cuban health, but whose acquisition has become nearly impossible.
In this regard, he expressed his gratitude to those who have helped them, even at the risk of possible reprisals.
"I am infinitely grateful for the jars of Trofin that I have been able to obtain thanks to many people, including the staff at BioCen, whose names I will keep private to avoid putting them in a difficult position," he noted.
However, despite this, she expressed feeling at peace with her decision to make the situation public, emphasizing that her father deserves all the support and recognition for the years of hard work and sacrifice he dedicated to the development of Trofin.
"Many are worried about the consequences, censorship, reprisals, some form of reprimand, and those things we know happen, but honestly, I don't believe it," he noted.
He considered it “logical” to receive some kind of call from the management of BioCen or BioCubaFarma; however, he indicated that he doesn’t believe they will: “Since my father retired, there have been numerous gestures, signs, and actions of ‘we don’t care about you,’ ‘we no longer need you,’ which makes us confident that nothing will happen.”
However, her stance is not without risks, but it highlights her firm determination to raise her voice in defense of her family's efforts and legacy.
In her message, she recalled that in the past, she had chosen silence in similar circumstances after the loss of her mother, but now, with her father still alive, she could not remain silent.
González's report has sparked a wave of solidarity on social media, where thousands of people have sent messages of support and expressed their outrage at the institutional indifference towards the creator of the Trofin.
On this December 3rd, while the Cuban regime "celebrates" the doctors, it is pertinent to remember that other workers in the healthcare sector, who also use this day as an opportunity to receive congratulations, face hardships and abandonment by the government once they reach retirement.
39% of Cuban retirees receive the minimum pension, a worrying figure that becomes even more striking when translated into absolute numbers. Of the 1.7 million beneficiaries of Social Security in Cuba—encompassing pensions, maternity protection, and individuals with partial disability—almost four out of ten retirees receive only 1,528 pesos per month.
The number of retirees receiving the minimum pension has been confirmed to the state media by Virginia Marlene García Reyes, General Director of Social Security at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
According to statements made to Cubadebate, the government allocates 40 million pesos for pension payments amid inflation, which has remained stubbornly above 30% in 2023.
These figures place a significant portion of the Cuban population in a challenging dilemma: What can a retiree buy today with 1,528 pesos?
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Raúl González Hernández and the Antianemic Trofin
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a prominent Cuban scientist best known for developing the anti-anemia medication Trofin. His career has focused on the research and creation of biopreparations, but despite his significant contributions, he faces issues accessing his own medication and a lack of official recognition in Cuba.
What is Trofin and why is it important in Cuba?
Trofin is an anti-anemia medication developed in the 1990s by Dr. Raúl González Hernández. It is primarily used to treat anemia in patients who cannot tolerate conventional treatments. Its significance lies in its effectiveness and the positive impact it has had on public health in Cuba.
Why is Dr. González Hernández facing difficulties in obtaining the Trofin?
Dr. González Hernández is facing difficulties in obtaining Trofin due to the medication's scarcity in Cuba and the lack of recognition and institutional support following his retirement. Despite being the creator of Trofin, the Cuban system does not prioritize him for access to the medication.
How does the lack of recognition affect scientists in Cuba?
The lack of individual recognition impacts both access to benefits and the personal dignity of scientists in Cuba. The country's intellectual property policies register discoveries in the name of institutions, rendering individual contributions invisible and leaving many scientists without the respect and attention they deserve.
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