The United States Embassy in Havana denied the humanitarian visa requested for Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a 10-year-old Cuban boy who was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as suspected leukemia under investigation, due to the lack of documentation issued by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP).
The activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, reported the situation on her Facebook profile, where she wrote: “The visa for #SoSDaMiR was denied! Lack of documentation. Thanks for everything, Ministry of Public Health of Cuba.”
On her part, the activist Diasniurka Salcedo also criticized the refusal of the Cuban authorities, stating: “This cries out before the eyes of God. The child did not present updated documents because the regime did not provide them. That is why his visa was denied!”
Damir's family had arranged the visa in order to move him to U.S. territory to receive specialized treatment that is not available on the island.
On several occasions, her mother, Eliannis Ramírez, has reported the lack of resources and proper treatments in the Cuban healthcare system to address her son's condition.
In light of the lack of improvements in his health, the family sought alternatives abroad.
A hospital in Miami, Florida, has agreed to treat Damir, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise $40,000 to cover medical and travel expenses.
To obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow Damir to relocate to the United States, it was necessary to have a letter of authorization from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
However, according to reports from the mother and activists, the MINSAP refused to provide such documentation, arguing that Cuba has the necessary resources to treat the minor.
This case has generated criticism towards MINSAP from human rights activists, who point out that the bureaucracy and obstacles imposed by health authorities make it difficult for patients with serious conditions to access treatments abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez and the denial of his humanitarian visa
Why was humanitarian visa denied to Damir Ortiz Ramírez?
The humanitarian visa for Damir Ortiz Ramírez was denied due to the lack of documentation issued by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP). Despite the efforts of his family and activists, MINSAP did not provide the required authorization letter, arguing that Cuba has the resources to treat the minor.
What is Damir's current health status and why does he need treatment in the United States?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez, 10 years old, suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and a possible leukemia under investigation. The healthcare system in Cuba does not provide the specialized treatments that Damir needs, so a hospital in Miami, Florida, has agreed to treat him. However, a humanitarian visa is required for him to travel and receive the treatment.
What actions have family members and activists taken to help Damir?
The family of Damir, along with activists like Yamilka Laffita and Diasniurka Salcedo, have denounced the inaction of MINSAP and launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise $40,000 aimed at covering medical and travel expenses to the United States. These actions seek to ensure the specialized treatment that Damir urgently needs.
What has been MINSAP's response to the requests for assistance for Damir?
The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) has argued that there are sufficient resources in the country to treat Damir's condition, which is why they have not issued the necessary documentation to process the humanitarian visa. This stance has been criticized by activists and family members, who report a lack of resources and adequate treatments in Cuba.
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