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The family of Yailen Izada Velázquez, a 32-year-old young mother seriously injured in a traffic accident in Las Tunas, made a desperate appeal on social media this Saturday, demanding her urgent transfer to Havana, where she could receive the surgery she needs to save her life and prevent irreversible damage.
Yener Baez, the victim's sister, reported on Facebook that the accident occurred on Sunday, January 26, when the motorcycle she was riding was struck, causing multiple fractures to her head, pelvis, hip, collarbone, nasal septum, femur, and wrist.
After the impact, she was urgently admitted to the Ernesto Guevara Provincial Hospital in Las Tunas, where it was determined that she required an immediate hip surgery, which had to be performed within 24 to 48 hours.
However, the intervention has not been carried out because there is no arc C available throughout the eastern region or at the national level, which is essential equipment for this type of surgery.
On Monday the 27th, the doctors also detected a fracture in her skull, so she was transferred to the neurology department to be evaluated by specialists in orthopedics and neurosurgery.
However, Baez reported that, despite the severity of his injuries, the hospital has not even conducted a CT scan to assess the damage to his head.
Almost a week after the accident, the family members have been continuously visiting the offices of the hospital and municipal health authorities, under the responsibility of Carlos and Dr. Nela, who have assured that they would arrange for the transfer of the patient to the Frank País Orthopedic Hospital in Havana.
However, nothing has been finalized so far, while his health continues to deteriorate, Baez emphasized.
The young woman who was injured is a mother of two small children, who are waiting for her at home while her health continues to worsen with each day that passes without the surgery she needs.
Her sister reported that the orthopedic doctors treating her, identified as Dr. Dayán and Dr. José, discharged her on Wednesday, without considering that her life is still at risk and that she could lose her mobility if she does not receive the appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
"They do not suffer because she is not their sister, daughter, or family. They do not care that two small children are left without their mother," her sister Báez stated in a Facebook post, where she called for help to raise awareness about the case.
Additionally, they confirmed that they already have a vehicle to transport her to Havana, but the Health Directorate and the hospital are still delaying the authorization, leaving them in a bureaucratic limbo that jeopardizes her life.
In light of the lack of responses from health authorities, Báez made a call on social media to demand the immediate transfer of his sister to prevent a tragic outcome.
"Every day that passes is one day less of hope for her and her children. We don’t want her to be left unable to walk, or worse, for our nephews to cry for the absence of their mom," she wrote in her post.
The precarious conditions of hospitals, the lack of supplies and medications, combined with bureaucracy, constantly jeopardize the health of patients in Cuba.
In January, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life in Matanzas due to a malfunction in the elevator of the José Ramón López Tabrane Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital, the oldest in Cuba.
The official press itself acknowledged that the situation was alarming, as the patient arrived in critical condition due to obstetric hemorrhage and “was on the verge of losing her life due to the lack of an operational elevator” at the hospital.
That same month, Cuban mother Camila Leyva Obregón sought justice after the death of her newborn baby at Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital in Bayamo, Granma.
According to his testimony, the child passed away 11 days after birth due to what he considers a series of medical negligence and inadequate care from the hospital staff.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Critical Health Situation in Cuba
Why is Yailen Izada Velázquez's family demanding her transfer to Havana?
The family of Yailen Izada Velázquez is demanding her transfer to Havana because she needs an immediate hip operation that cannot be performed in Las Tunas due to the lack of a C-arm, an essential piece of equipment for this type of surgery. Her health continues to deteriorate without the proper intervention.
What problems does the Cuban healthcare system face that affect patients like Yailen?
The Cuban healthcare system faces issues such as the lack of essential medical equipment, supplies, specialized personnel, and medications, making it difficult to provide timely and appropriate medical care for patients in need of urgent interventions, such as Yailen.
What actions are Yailen's family members taking to secure his transfer?
The family of Yailen has turned to social media to raise awareness of their situation and to push for her urgent transfer to Havana. Despite having a vehicle available for the transfer, they are facing bureaucratic delays from the Health Directorate and the hospital, which put Yailen's life at risk.
What other recent cases reflect similar problems in the Cuban health system?
There are several recent cases that reflect problems in the Cuban healthcare system, such as the death of a baby due to medical negligence in Bayamo and the lack of attention to a pregnant mother in Matanzas due to the elevator breakdown in the hospital. These incidents highlight the deficiencies and negligence within the healthcare system.
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