Related videos:
Ana Aloma, the mother of the baby who recently passed away in Sancti Spíritus, has raised her voice in search of justice for her son.
Through an emotional post, she denied that the child's condition was "incompatible with life," as stated by the medical authorities following his passing.
According to their statements, there are at least six cases of Methylmalonic Aciduria in Cuba, a rare genetic disease, whose patients lead "a relatively normal life with the appropriate treatment."
Accusations of medical negligence
However, she reported that in her son's case, the proper protocols were not followed, which may have contributed to a fatal outcome.
The mother claims that her son was subjected to an "experiment" by receiving the pentavalent vaccine without prior clinical analyses or the research recommended by the Provincial Maternal and Child Care Program (PAMI).
Additionally, she questioned the diet prescribed for the baby, claiming that it was "very poor" compared to that of other children with the same condition.
He directly pointed to Dr. Magdalena Guirado Espinosa, whom he accused of negligence and requested her expulsion from the healthcare system, stating that he has evidence to support his claim.
According to her testimony, the health professional never answered the urgent calls made by the family to inquire about the baby's condition.
Despite her pain and frustration, the mother expressed gratitude for the effort and dedication of the Intensive Care team at the Pediatric Hospital of Sancti Spíritus, acknowledging the work of the professionals who did everything possible to save her son.
A calvary of struggle and needs
The baby's death has highlighted the difficulties faced by Cuban families in accessing medications and essential supplies.
At the beginning of February, the mother desperately sought zinc sulfate for her son through social media, determined to obtain it at any cost.
A few days earlier, on January 31, she also requested assistance to receive the special food that her son needed, which had been purchased by his grandparents in the United States, but they had been unable to find a way to send it to the country and she was asking the country to arrange the shipment through the Red Cross.
In his post, he also expressed his frustration at how Cuban institutions did not respond to his requests. He reported that he submitted medical documentation to the People's Power to request a special allocation of gas to care for his son, but he never received a response.
"How much longer is this going to go on? They are playing with a human being's life, please," he demanded on that occasion.
On February 10, an emotional post was already reporting the worsening health of the minor.
On February 16, another heartfelt post reported on the tragic outcome.
Being a Neo Mom: A Daily Battle
Shortly after her baby was born, Ana Aloma shared an emotional text on her social media — which we transcribe below — explaining what it means to be "a Neo mom."
Being a "Neo mom" refers to being the mother of a premature baby who has had to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
"Neo" is an abbreviation for "neonatal," which refers to the period that spans from birth to the first 28 days of the baby's life.
The mothers of Neo are those you see wandering through the sanatorium with a bracelet on their wrist, a bottle of water, a backpack, and tired faces. They are mothers whom fate deprived of having their sacred hour or the ideal birth they had dreamed of. They are mothers of babies that could no longer stay inside their bodies because urgency demanded otherwise. Mothers of relentless WARRIORS striving to live, adapt to the jungle, and the best pupils in extreme situations
"During your stay in Neo, you learn that such a small and fragile being is just an appearance, because they are actually caged LIONS. Ten grams is the best gift you take home at the end of the day. The alarms drive you crazy at first, but you quickly realize that what matters is to watch them and see that they are warm, rosy, and that they look normal."
You learn to change tiny diapers that resemble clips, hoping not to break any little bones, to take the baby in and out of the incubator while trying not to pull any wires or remove the catheter. You learn to wash your hands and disinfect yourself as if you were dealing with a deadly virus. You cry outside from fear and uncertainty and, inside, from joy and happiness when they place the baby on your chest.
You know the name of every baby there and rejoice at each one's achievement. You pray to God all day, at all hours, and thank Him for every milestone your little lion reaches. Each night, you feel your heart breaking as you have to leave him to go ‘sleep, eat, bathe, and even regain your strength’ for the next day. The journey of the moms of Neo is tough, long, and distressing, but the strength that emerges is indescribable.
You will never be the same again.
The empathy you will feel for another mother is beautiful because when you look at her, you will realize that she is in the same battlefield that you found yourself in, and her child is the STRONGEST WARRIOR, fighting fiercely to leave together for home.
"They are the fiercest women I could have ever met...!"
Unfortunately, in this case, the battle ended in tragedy.
Now this Cuban mother is seeking justice for her son, hoping that no other mother on the island will have to face what she has endured.
Frequently asked questions about medical negligence in Cuba
What happened to Ana Aloma's baby in the Sancti Spíritus hospital?
Ana Aloma's baby passed away at the Pediatric Hospital of Sancti Spíritus, and his mother alleges that her child was a victim of medical negligence. According to Aloma, the hospital administered the pentavalent vaccine without conducting the necessary prior clinical tests, which she considers an "experiment" that contributed to the fatal outcome.
What is Methylmalonic Aciduria and how does it affect patients?
Methylmalonic Aciduria is a rare metabolic disorder caused by genetic mutations that affect certain enzymes. This condition can be managed with appropriate treatment, but it requires a strict diet and specific supplements. However, the prognosis is severe in cases of neonatal onset.
How does the lack of medical resources affect Cuban families?
The lack of medical resources in Cuba significantly complicates patient care, leading to critical situations in emergencies and a lack of adequate treatments for serious illnesses. Families face serious difficulties in accessing essential medications and equipment, putting the health of their most vulnerable members at risk.
What complaints have been made in Cuba regarding medical negligence?
In Cuba, multiple cases of medical negligence have been reported, particularly in the context of care for children and newborns. These cases have highlighted deficiencies in the healthcare system, such as the lack of specialists, resources, and adequate medical attention, which has led to growing discontent among the population.
Filed under:
