A Cuban mother reported on social media that her son died at the children's hospital in Santa Clara due to alleged medical negligence.
According to his testimony -published on a local Facebook page- for several days, the doctors downplayed the child's severe symptoms, mistakenly attributing them to a cold, when in reality he was suffering from fulminant meningoencephalitis.
Lucía Yera recounted through tears and frustration how she was repeatedly sent home with her sick child, despite the persistent signs of seriousness: high fever, dehydration, and increasingly deteriorating physical condition.
"Every time they referred him to the hospital, they said it was a cold, that the fever was due to scabies. They never did a lumbar puncture. They just sent me home," he wrote.
"When my child was taking his last breath, I couldn't even cry. I sensed that something was wrong, I desperately called for a doctor, and they told me she was on her way," she emphasizes.
According to their complaint, the on-duty doctor did not arrive until 8:30 the next morning, by which time their son was already in critical condition. It was at that moment, and only then, that a lumbar puncture was performed, confirming the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, a severe inflammation of the brain and meninges that requires urgent care.
"It was already too late. It was lodged in his nervous system. My child endured 14 cardiac arrests because he wanted to live. No doctor had the right to take his life as they did," detailed the mother.
The mother also reported the lack of medications and the precariousness of the hospital system, stating that many times it is the family members themselves who must purchase drugs on their own in the informal market.
"I would like to vent and be honest about what is happening in this country, where nothing happens to the doctors who are only killing everyone," she expressed.
"Thousands of children and elderly people die every day, and nothing happens. They took my child away, and I can no longer get pregnant. Who soothes my pain while they laugh?" she expressed.
The complaint comes amid a growing number of testimonies that question the transparency and efficiency of the Cuban healthcare system.
The exiled Cuban doctor Alexander Jesús Figueredo Izaguirre has repeatedly denounced similar cases and has accused the regime of manipulating infant mortality figures for propaganda purposes.
"The problem is the criminal system that turned public health into an altar of lies," Figueredo denounced on his social media, claiming that he has documented evidence that he will present to international courts.
The mother concluded her message by urging others affected not to remain silent.
"Please, when something happens to you, do not stay silent. They are shameless. Don't go complain; nothing will happen. Take justice into your own hands if necessary. No one will bring my child back to me," she declared.
So far, there has been no official statement from the health authorities of Villa Clara or the Ministry of Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Negligence and the Health System in Cuba
What complaint did Lucía Yera make about medical care in Santa Clara?
Lucía Yera reported that her son died at the pediatric hospital in Santa Clara due to alleged medical negligence. The doctors downplayed the child's severe symptoms, mistakenly attributing them to a cold, when in fact he was suffering from fulminant meningoencephalitis.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban healthcare system according to recent reports?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a serious shortage of resources, specialized personnel, and equipment. These shortcomings worsen the conditions for handling medical emergencies, resulting in multiple cases of medical negligence. In addition, the regime has been accused of manipulating infant mortality figures for propaganda purposes.
How are Cuban families reacting to medical negligence?
Many Cuban families are using social media to publicly report cases of medical negligence. The reports aim to highlight the crisis in the healthcare system and push for adequate medical attention. However, solutions are often slow or inadequate due to the structural deficiencies of the system.
What actions have been taken against those responsible for medical negligence in Cuba?
In some cases, the authorities have sanctioned the healthcare professionals responsible. However, the penalties are often minimal, such as salary deductions, and in many instances, the families of the victims have not received satisfactory answers or justice for their losses.
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