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The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) in Las Tunas attributed the lack of necessary equipment to operate on Yailen Izada Velázquez, a young mother of 32 years severely injured in a traffic accident, to the "criminal blockade."
According to an official statement, the patient was admitted urgently on January 26 to the "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" Teaching General Hospital, where it was determined that she needed immediate hip surgery.
However, the operation could not be carried out due to the lack of necessary resources for this procedure, emphasized the MINSAP publication.
Health authorities have stated that the breakdown of medical equipment has not been resolved due to a shortage of parts and supplies, which they attribute to the restrictions of the U.S. embargo.
“At the time of writing this note, actions are being coordinated with local alternatives and neighboring provinces to resolve this case, due to the breakdown of medical-diagnostic equipment that have not been addressed, as its resolution depends on components and parts pending acquisition in the international market, which are further hindered by the negative impact of the criminal U.S. blockade,” the entity emphasized without providing a concrete solution.
Furthermore, they emphasized that "the General Directorate of Health and the Hospital maintain constant communication with the patient and her family, reaffirming the humanism and solidarity of the Cuban Health System." However, the relatives of the injured young woman tell a different story.
Despite the statements from MINSAP, the young woman's family has reported on social media the delay in her transfer to Havana, where she could receive the necessary care.
The situation has sparked outrage, as their health continues to deteriorate with no immediate solution in sight.
Yener Baez, the sister of the victim, made a desperate plea last Saturday on Facebook to urgently demand her transfer to Havana, where she could receive the necessary surgery to save her life and avoid suffering irreversible consequences.
According to Baez, following the impact, she was admitted urgently, and it was determined that she required immediate hip surgery, which needed to be performed within 24 to 48 hours.
However, the intervention has not taken place because there is no C-arc available throughout the eastern region or nationally, which is essential equipment for this type of surgery.
On Monday the 27th, 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.
Baez reported that, despite the severity of his injuries, the hospital has not even performed a CT scan to assess the damage to his head.
A week after the accident, the relatives have consistently visited the hospital and municipal health office, under the responsibility of Carlos and Dr. Nela, who have assured that they would arrange for the patient’s transfer to the Frank País Orthopedic Hospital in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical Situation in Cuba and the Case of Yailen Izada Velázquez
Why has Yailen Izada Velázquez not been able to undergo surgery in Las Tunas?
Yailen Izada Velázquez has been unable to undergo surgery due to the lack of necessary medical equipment, specifically a C-arm, needed for the hip surgery she requires. Authorities attribute this shortfall to the U.S. embargo, which has hindered the acquisition of essential parts and supplies.
What actions are being taken to resolve the case of Yailen Izada?
The health authorities of Las Tunas are coordinating actions with neighboring provinces and exploring local alternatives to address the lack of necessary equipment to perform surgery on Yailen. However, as of the time of publication, no concrete solution to the problem has been provided.
How has Yailen Izada's family reacted to this situation?
The family of Yailen Izada has expressed their outrage and concern over the lack of proper medical attention. Her sister, Yener Baez, has made an urgent call on social media demanding Yailen's transfer to Havana, where she could receive the necessary surgery. The family has reported unjustified delays and a bureaucratic limbo that jeopardizes Yailen's life.
What is the current status of the healthcare system in Cuba according to recent reports?
The healthcare system in Cuba faces serious shortages of resources and medical supplies, which has led to multiple reports of medical negligence. This situation affects everything from a lack of equipment and adequate personnel to a bureaucracy that hinders quick solutions, placing patients' lives at risk.
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