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The recent statements by Elizabeth González Aznar have reignited the debate on inequality in Cuba, after INDER awarded cars to athletes loyal to the regime, while key figures in science and health remain overlooked.
Through a post on Facebook, González reported on the situation of his father, Dr. Raúl González Hernández, a 79-year-old Cuban scientist and creator of Trofin, an anti-anemic supplement used in the country for more than three decades.
According to the account, his father has spent years seeking assistance to repair his Lada car, received in 1970 from Fidel Castro in recognition of his achievements.
However, despite sending letters to the Ministry of Transportation, Biocubafarma, and even the president, the response has always been the same: "The country does not have that possibility."
"Does this happen with athletes because they contribute money in addition to glory?" she questioned in her post, highlighting that Trofin has been a key product not only for the health of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes but also for the country's economy, as it is sold in CUP, USD, and MLC and has registrations in other countries.
According to their calculations, 1% of the sales of this medication over the past 32 years would have been enough to cover the assistance that their father has requested for 25 years.
His complaint also alludes to the lack of recognition for scientists, doctors, and educators in Cuba, sectors that, despite their impact on society, receive miserable salaries and no state benefits.
"Even less can we understand when we see young men born yesterday who, because they are children or grandchildren of leaders of the Revolution, have luxury cars. Where does it come from?" he wrote, highlighting the double standard in the allocation of resources within the country.
The case of Dr. Raúl González Hernández is not unique, but it highlights an evident contradiction in the Cuban system: while some receive cars for their political loyalty, others who have dedicated their lives to the development of the country cannot even repair a vehicle that was given to them over 50 years ago.
González has expressed on several occasions his demand for the recognition that his father deserves, without having received a favorable response so far.
In December, González revealed that his father has been forced to beg for the supplement he created for his relatives and, despite the seriousness of his allegation, he claimed not to fear reprisals because he believes the institutional indifference towards him has been evident since his retirement.
Additionally, she stated that she feels at peace with her decision to make the situation public, emphasizing that her father deserves all the support and recognition for the years of work and sacrifice he has dedicated to the development of Trofin.
"Many are concerned about the consequences, censorship, reprisals, some kind of warning, and those things we know happen, but honestly, I don't think so," he pointed out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inequality in Cuba and Scientific Recognition
Why does the daughter of the creator of Trofin criticize the delivery of cars to athletes in Cuba?
Elizabeth González Aznar criticizes that in Cuba, cars are awarded to athletes loyal to the regime while scientists, like her father, do not receive the same recognition or support. This highlights a significant inequality in the allocation of resources and benefits, where sports figures are prioritized over scientific contributors despite their important contributions to society.
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández and what is Trofin?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a Cuban scientist and the creator of Trofin, an anti-anemia supplement used in Cuba for over three decades. Trofin has been crucial for the health of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes, and it also represents an economic contribution to the country as it is sold in various currencies and registered in other countries.
Why does Dr. González Hernández not receive official recognition in Cuba?
Intellectual property policies in Cuba register scientific discoveries in the name of institutions, not individuals. This leaves the true creators, such as Dr. González Hernández, without official recognition, rendering their personal contributions invisible in favor of institutional registration.
What challenges does Dr. González Hernández face in accessing the Trofin?
Dr. González Hernández is facing difficulties accessing Trofin due to the scarcity of the medication and the lack of institutional priority following his retirement. Despite being the creator of Trofin, the Cuban system does not grant him preferential access, forcing him to rely on gestures of solidarity from others.
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