The mother of Damir Ortiz, the Cuban boy who traveled to the United States for medical treatment that was unavailable to him in Cuba, decided to keep his current diagnosis a secret to protect the case in light of potential legal actions against the regime in the future.
According to Diasniurka Salcedo, who played a crucial role in the management of the humanitarian visa, the decision was made to prevent the Cuban dictatorship from having time to prepare and manipulate the situation.
During a live stream on Facebook, Salcedo explained that Damir's case is not common; it has much deeper implications, as the child was misdiagnosed and subjected to incorrect treatment in Cuba. (Remember that he was diagnosed with leukemia in Cuba and then at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami they confirmed that he does not have it).
The activist emphasized that this case is filled with elements that could be used to seek justice, not only for Damir but also for many other Cuban children who are going through similar situations.
"It is the case of a child who was misdiagnosed and mistreated in a supposed medical facility. They administered an incorrect treatment, and we have all the necessary arguments to take appropriate action," he stated.
"Information is power, and we cannot give the dictatorship the power to prepare, because there are many children in Cuba who are going through the same thing as Damir. And this must be known..." he added.
Salcedo denied false rumors that circulated regarding the possible death of Damir and reiterated that the minor is alive and in the process of recovery. He recalled that the chemotherapy administered to him on the Island should not have been given.
The decision to keep the diagnosis confidential was made by the child's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, in an attempt to protect the development of the case and prevent the Cuban regime from intervening.
"By the mother's decision, and for the best course of action at this moment, it is to maintain confidentiality for now," Salcedo said.
Diasniurka reported that in recent days, authorities from the Cuban health system have been calling to inquire about Damir's condition, which, according to her, is not a coincidence.
"Everyone knows that they made a mistake, that they gave a wrong diagnosis and a poor treatment. To achieve things, many times you have to be momentarily quiet," he commented.
"The problem is not with the people who care for Damir; the problem is with the dictatorship that is trying to lie, manipulate, and cover up its mistakes," he said.
Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, the physician involved in the case, also defended the approach of keeping the diagnosis private.
On Facebook, he stated that Damir's actual diagnosis is under legal protection and will be revealed in due time.
"I'm not going to give them time to prepare and lie again. Justice for thousands of Cuban children is at stake too!" Ruano stated.
The physician warned those who have attempted to obtain information about Damir's case that they are not authorized to receive it and that the U.S. authorities have taken clear measures regarding this matter.
"We'll see each other in the court hearings. They will return to the international list of human rights violators, because they are," he specified.
The case of Damir continues to draw attention both inside and outside of Cuba, and the family is still fighting for justice, while those responsible for the child's misdiagnosis and treatment remain under public scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz and his medical treatment in Miami
Why did Damir's mother decide to keep the child's current diagnosis a secret?
Damir's mother decided to keep his current diagnosis a secret to protect the case in light of potential legal actions against the Cuban regime, preventing them from being able to prepare and manipulate the situation.
What medical errors were made in Cuba regarding Damir Ortiz's treatment?
In Cuba, Damir was misdiagnosed with leukemia and received a chemotherapy treatment that was not only unnecessary but also worsened his health condition. In reality, Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, which led to an erroneous diagnosis in his home country.
What is the current health status of Damir Ortiz in Miami?
Damir Ortiz is favorably evolving at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where doctors have identified and treated additional complications, such as a new bacteria in his body. His lungs have shown signs of improvement, and he is receiving the appropriate treatment for his condition.
How did Damir Ortiz manage to move from Cuba to the United States to receive medical treatment?
The transfer of Damir was made possible thanks to a strong mobilization of Cuban civil society, which raised funds for an air ambulance flight and overcame multiple bureaucratic hurdles, both in Cuba and the United States, to obtain the necessary humanitarian visa.
Filed under:
