The news of the death of Damir Ortiz, a Cuban boy who fought until the end for his life to overcome a serious illness, has shaken the medical community that was actively involved in his case.
Cuban doctors who worked tirelessly to ensure that the child received the appropriate treatment outside of Cuba have expressed their sorrow and anger upon learning of the tragic outcome.
Lucio Enriquez Nodarse, who participated in the campaign to bring Damir to the United States, published a video on Facebook where he expressed his outrage:
"Damir has died, and he was killed by the dictatorship of the Communist Party of Cuba. It is not the United States that is to blame for Damir's death; let us not be manipulated. The only responsible party for the life of Damir and all Cuban children is called the Communist Party," he stated firmly.
Damir, who was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis at the age of two, was only 10 years old, but his condition worsened over time due to inadequate medical care.
Enriquez Nodarse recalled that the lack of resources, the ineffectiveness and neglect of the Cuban healthcare system, and the inability to access treatments that could have saved his life were key factors that contributed to the tragedy.
The physician emphasized that Damir is not the only Cuban child whose life has been cut short for that reason. Other children have died, but for some reason their cases have been silenced.
Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a doctor whom the regime is defaming and accusing of falsifying his curriculum, also expressed his pain with a heartfelt message:
"My child of my heart! This disgusting world was not a place for an angel like you, I ALWAYS KNEW IT! Your body no longer suffers, you are free now. You are no longer lying in a bed suffering without being able to walk. You are no longer blind; your eyes are filled with light," she posted on Facebook.
In the text, Ruano Sánchez emphasized how much it meant to him to have been a part of Damir's life, and as a farewell, he expressed: "Fly high, my baby, your godfather will never forget you."
The doctors and activists who fought for Damir also highlighted the bravery of Eliannis, his mother. "Mother, tireless warrior," they wrote, in recognition of her courage in confronting the regime to try to save her son's life.
Damir passed away this Saturday at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where despite the efforts, he was unable to overcome an extremely aggressive bacteria he contracted in Cuba and which was diagnosed upon his arrival in the United States.
In a statement released by Cuban activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, it was confirmed that she passed away at 5:00 AM following a severe decline in her health.
"Our warrior resting with the Lord! There are no words to describe such pain!" he expressed, thanking those who supported the cause and asking for his eternal rest.
Although the exact cause of death has not been revealed, it appears that Damir passed away from an extremely aggressive bacteria that he contracted in Cuba.
"The illness itself is not the biggest problem right now; it's the bacteria, gentlemen. A very strong bacteria," Diasniurka expressed on Thursday during the latest update on the child's condition.
In addition to neurofibromatosis, the minor suffered from other health complications. His health condition worsened in recent hours.
El traveled from Cuba in critical condition to receive specialized medical treatment. His transfer was made possible through an intensive fundraising campaign and support from Cuban civil society.
His story highlighted the lack of resources and bureaucratic obstacles in the Cuban healthcare system, as Damir fell victim to a misdiagnosis and medical negligence in Cuba, where he was given an improper treatment.
The case, which garnered significant media attention and shocked both inside and outside of Cuba, revealed not only the flaws in the healthcare system but also the negligence of a regime that prioritizes control and ideology over the health and well-being of its people.
The collective lament of doctors, activists, and Cuban citizens highlights the struggle of a people who, although they may not always have the weapons, find in solidarity and truth the only way to confront injustice.
This case has left a profound mark on Cuban society, and Damir's death represents not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a symbol of the ineffectiveness of a system that continues to put the lives of the most vulnerable at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic death of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Damir Ortiz passed away from an extremely aggressive bacteria that he contracted in Cuba, which complicated his health condition after being admitted to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. The bacteria was a critical factor in his rapid decline despite medical efforts in the United States.
Why couldn't he receive adequate treatment in Cuba?
The Cuban healthcare system lacked the necessary resources and treatments to adequately address Damir's condition, who suffered from type 1 neurofibromatosis and acute leukemia. The denial by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) to allow his transfer to the United States was also a significant obstacle in his treatment.
What was the role of the Cuban regime in this case?
The Cuban regime has been criticized for using Damir's case as propaganda to showcase its healthcare system, despite the evident shortcomings and the refusal to grant him access to treatment abroad. Bureaucracy and the reluctance to issue an authorization letter for his transfer were factors that contributed to the tragedy.
How did the Cuban medical community react to Damir's death?
The Cuban medical community expressed its grief and indignation over the death of Damir, highlighting the deficiencies in the Cuban healthcare system and the ineffectiveness of the regime. Physicians involved in his case have expressed their frustration over the lack of resources and the handling of the case by the Cuban authorities.
What does Damir's death symbolize for Cuban society?
The death of Damir Ortiz has become a symbol of the ineffectiveness and issues of the Cuban healthcare system, as well as the regime's neglect in prioritizing ideology over human life. His case has left a deep impact on Cuban society, generating criticism and calls for reform of the healthcare system.
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