Amelia Calzadilla, a Cuban known for her direct criticisms of the Cuban regime, shared a heartbreaking story on her social media about her third childbirth in Cuba, which took place in 2019 and nearly cost her life due to a series of medical negligence.
Her account has touched many, revealing the shortcomings and risks of a healthcare system that, in her case, endangered both her survival and that of her baby.
In a post on Facebook, Calzadilla detailed how an incorrect fetal diagnosis during her pregnancy led to her being forced to give birth to a child weighing almost 5 kg (11 pounds).
This erroneous decision not only caused unnecessary suffering but also led to a massive hemorrhage 10 days after childbirth, with serious consequences for her health.
"I gave birth to a child who weighed almost 11 pounds, which caused me to have a hemorrhage ten days after giving birth, putting my life at risk," Calzadilla recounted, who did not hesitate to share images of the baby at birth and in the days that followed so that her followers could evaluate whether the delivery should have been natural or if, instead, a cesarean section was the right choice.
The most striking aspect of his experience was the lack of explanation from the doctors regarding the situation.
"They never gave us a sensible explanation of why I had been exposed to such a risk," recalled Calzadilla, who also recounted how the medical attention was limited to a series of emergency interventions, including the cauterization of cervical arteries, performed "cold-bloodedly" to save his life.
"They never acknowledged that the resulting uterine hemorrhage and subsequent cauterization (...) had anything to do with the size of the fetus," she lamented.
Amelia also shared her mother's suffering, who despaired upon learning that her daughter was in critical condition in intensive care.
"My mom nearly went crazy when she found out I was in therapy deemed life-threatening and with three little ones at that time who needed me alive," she explained, detailing the pain her family endured due to the misunderstanding and arrogance of the hospital staff, who even tried to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
"On more than one occasion, they asked her to calm down, even with the arrogance of believing she had no reason to be upset, while others understood that she and I should be grateful because they saved me after almost killing me," she questioned.
According to Calzadilla, this tragedy highlights the dangers of the healthcare system in Cuba, where a lack of resources, poorly conducted medical tests, and incorrect diagnoses are a constant issue.
"When I say that the situation of our healthcare system endangers the lives of its patients, I mean this," he remarked, issuing a warning to those who still believe in the supposed excellence of the Cuban system.
The young woman recalled how a simple medical test or an accurate diagnosis could have made the difference between life and death.
His account has not only resonated with those who follow his activism, but it has also sparked a broader reflection on the precariousness of the Cuban healthcare system, which remains one of the pillars upon which the regime justifies its supposed effectiveness, despite the countless shortcomings that affect millions of citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Healthcare System in Cuba and the Case of Amelia Calzadilla
What problems did Amelia Calzadilla face during her third childbirth in Cuba?
Amelia Calzadilla faced a series of medical negligence during her third childbirth in Cuba that nearly cost her life. An incorrect diagnosis led to her delivering a baby weighing almost 5 kg naturally, which resulted in a massive hemorrhage ten days after giving birth, putting her health in serious danger.
How did Amelia Calzadilla describe the Cuban healthcare system after her experience?
Amelia Calzadilla described the Cuban healthcare system as dangerous and deficient, pointing out the lack of resources, misdiagnoses, and poorly conducted medical tests as common issues within the healthcare system, which endangers patients' lives.
What impact have Amelia Calzadilla's complaints had on the perception of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The complaints made by Amelia Calzadilla have sparked a wider reflection on the precariousness of the Cuban healthcare system, calling into question the purported effectiveness of the system that the regime promotes, and highlighting the shortcomings that impact millions of citizens.
How have other reports of medical negligence manifested in Cuba?
In recent years, several cases of medical negligence in Cuba have been reported, including the deaths of newborns and children due to incorrect diagnoses and inadequate care. These complaints are frequent and reflect the collapse of the Cuban public health system, characterized by a shortage of specialists and supplies.
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