The Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, 10 years old, is facing a delicate health situation while his family and several activists are fighting to obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow him to travel to the United States for specialized medical treatment.
Damir suffers from type 1 neurofibromatosis and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, in addition to being under investigation for possible leukemia.
This Thursday, Damir and his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, prepared to attend a crucial appointment at the United States Embassy in Havana, despite the logistical challenges and the fragile condition of the child.
The activist Yamilka Laffita, known as "Lara Crofs," reported on social media that the medical staff initially refused to provide a wheelchair for the child. Eventually, the mother was able to get the wheelchair to the room, and they were arranging for an ambulance transfer, but the distress continued to mark the family's day-to-day life.
“Damir barely slept last night; he has a lot of pain in his left arm. He was given diclofenac at 12 a.m. and dipyrone at 2 a.m., but the pain persists,” reported Lara Crofs. Additionally, the child was supposed to take tramadol to alleviate the pain.
Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, an activist based in the United States and organizer of a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, has issued an urgent appeal for support to cover the costs of treatment and travel, with a goal of $40,000.
Salcedo Verdecia emphasized that Damir has already been accepted for treatment at a hospital in Miami, Florida, where he will have access to therapies that are not available in Cuba. Now, he just needs the humanitarian visa to be approved by the Embassy.
Damir is currently admitted to the intensive care unit of the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, where he is experiencing kidney damage and inflammation in both eyes. The child's mother has repeatedly denounced the precariousness of the Cuban healthcare system and the lack of resources to properly treat her son.
"I have faith that today they will tell us yes and we will be able to go to another country and another hospital to receive care," expressed the brave boy before his appointment at the embassy.
Damir and health in Cuba
The case of Damir came to public attention in August 2023. His mother has fought tirelessly at every level to ensure that her son receives the necessary surgery, but the doctors' response has not yet arrived.
The child's tumor has spread to inoperable areas of the brain, according to Cuban neurosurgeons. Eliannis Ramírez has published several criticisms of the public health system and the bureaucracy that hinders medical care on the island.
The case has sparked a wave of solidarity within the Cuban community and among human rights activists, who continue to demand answers from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and international support to save Damir's life.
Frequently asked questions about the case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez and the health situation in Cuba
Who is Damir Ortiz Ramírez and what is his health situation?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez is a 10-year-old Cuban boy facing a serious health situation. He is diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, along with a possible leukemia under investigation. His condition is critical, with kidney damage and inflammation in both eyes. He requires specialized treatment that he cannot receive in Cuba.
Why is it necessary for Damir to travel to the United States for treatment?
The Cuban healthcare system lacks the resources and treatments necessary to address Damir's complex condition. In Cuba, his tumor has spread to inoperable areas of the brain, and there are no available procedures. A hospital in Miami has agreed to treat him, offering therapies that could save his life.
What obstacles does Damir's family face in obtaining a humanitarian visa?
The family of Damir has reported that the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba refuses to provide the necessary letter to obtain a humanitarian visa. This lack of official support poses a significant obstacle for Damir to receive the treatment he needs abroad.
How is Damir's treatment being financially supported?
A fundraising campaign has been launched on GoFundMe with the goal of raising $40,000 to cover Damir's treatment and travel expenses to the United States. Activists and the Cuban community are coming together to gather the necessary funds.
What is the situation of the healthcare system in Cuba according to Damir's case?
The case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez has highlighted the serious shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system. The lack of resources, treatments, and excessive bureaucracy are criticized by Damir's mother and activists, who demand improvements in healthcare on the island.
Filed under: