The Institute of Hematology and Immunology of Cuba, where the child Damir Ortiz was hospitalized before traveling to the United States, issued a statement regarding the death of the minor.
Its director, Wilfredo Roque García, stated in a statement that the staff at the center feels "pain and concern," and that Damir received "attention and care from doctors, nurses, and everyone involved in his hospitalization."
Roque García, one of the specialists who defended the care provided to Damir on Cuban television and blamed his mother for interfering in the treatment, now insists that the doctors dealing with these conditions develop an emotional bond with the patient and their family.
"The accumulated experience in the treatment of oncohematological illnesses in pediatric ages does not make us immune to pain. The death of a child always brings feelings of shock and sadness; we join in the mourning and pain of their relatives," she added.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to the doctors in the United States who treated Damir and offered to collaborate with them on complex cases like this, "always adhering to the principles of science and medical ethics."
Roque García did not mention during his speech the requests made by Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of Damir, for MINSAP to allow her to take him abroad for treatment.
The child suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, diagnosed at the age of two, but deteriorated over time due to poor management, lack of resources, and the ineffectiveness of the Cuban healthcare system, as he even had a misdiagnosis of leukemia and was given inappropriate treatment.
When the government allowed him to leave in March for specialized medical treatment in the United States, he was already in critical condition.
Their transfer was made possible thanks to an intensive fundraising campaign and the support of Cuban civil society.
Damir passed away on Saturday at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where despite the efforts, he was unable to overcome an extremely aggressive bacteria that he contracted in Cuba and was diagnosed with after his arrival in the United States.
The news of the death has shaken the medical community outside of Cuba that was actively involved in his case.
Cuban doctors who worked tirelessly to ensure the child received the appropriate treatment abroad have expressed their pain and anger upon learning of the tragic outcome.
Lucio Enriquez Nodarse, who participated in the campaign to bring Damir to the United States, posted a video in which he expressed his outrage.
"Damir has died and it was the dictatorship of the Communist Party of Cuba that killed him. The United States is not to blame for Damir's death; let's not allow ourselves to be manipulated. The only one responsible for the life of Damir and all Cuban children is called the Communist Party," he stated firmly.
Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a doctor whom the regime is defaming and accusing of falsifying his resume, also expressed his pain in a heartfelt message:
"My heart's child! 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 full of light," she posted on Facebook.
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.
The case, which garnered media attention and shocked both inside and outside Cuba, exposed not only the shortcomings of the health system but also the negligence of a regime that prioritizes ideology over the health and wellbeing 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 means, find in solidarity and truth the only way to confront injustices.
This case has left a deep 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 endanger the lives of the most vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of the Cuban Child Damir Ortiz
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Damir Ortiz passed away due to an extremely aggressive bacteria he contracted in Cuba, which led to septicemia and multi-organ failure. Despite the efforts made by doctors in Miami, he was unable to recover.
Why did Damir Ortiz move from Cuba to the United States for his treatment?
The transfer of Damir to the United States was necessary due to a lack of resources and an incorrect diagnosis in Cuba. Damir's mother and activists accomplished his transfer through a campaign that raised funds and overcame bureaucratic obstacles to obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow him to receive proper medical care in Miami.
What was the initial diagnosis of Damir Ortiz in Cuba?
Damir was initially diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and Burkitt leukemia in Cuba, but this diagnosis was refuted in the United States. In reality, his main condition was neurofibromatosis, and his health complications were worsened by inadequate medical treatment on the island.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the death of Damir Ortiz?
The death of Damir has caused great dismay in the Cuban community, both on the island and abroad. Doctors, activists, and citizens have expressed their pain and anger, and have denounced the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system. Damir's story has become a symbol of the fight against medical negligence in Cuba.
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