Luis Fabián Rojas Rodríguez was only 11 years old when he died on October 7, 2024, after a lengthy series of medical errors at the Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana.
His case, recently documented by CubaNet with heartbreaking testimonies from his relatives, generates deep outrage and starkly exposes the systemic failures of the Cuban healthcare system.
The family of the minor is currently engaged in a fight for justice, publicly denouncing what happened and demanding accountability for what they consider an unforgivable medical negligence.
A failed diagnosis from the very beginning
The tragedy began on August 20, 2024, the day Fabián was taken to the doctor due to severe abdominal pain.
Despite the symptoms suggesting appendicitis, the newly graduated doctors sent him home with a simple recommendation for a bland diet, based on a presumed viral pattern compatible with the Oropouche virus.
They did not conduct any tests or diagnostic studies on him/her.
The mistake was devastating. In less than 48 hours, the child could no longer eat or drink water, and the pain had intensified.
On August 22, his parents rushed him to the Pediatric Hospital, where the true cause was finally confirmed: a perforated appendix.
Despite the accurate diagnosis, the ordeal did not end there. Although he was admitted at 8:00 a.m., he was not operated on until twelve hours later.
A recovery that was merely an illusion
After the surgery, Fabián showed an apparent improvement. He walked, ate, and responded to stimuli normally, but the fevers soon arrived.
According to the testimony of her mother, Mailyn Rodríguez Hechavarría, the doctors minimized the situation: they transferred him from intensive care to intermediate care, and then to a regular room without conducting post-operative tests or cultures to detect potential infections.
The only medical instruction he received was to record the child's temperatures and give them to the nurse. Meanwhile, Fabián was worsening.
For her family, it was obvious that the administered antibiotics were not working, raising suspicions that she wasn't even receiving the correct medications.
"They came with the syringe filled with water instead of the antibiotic. That is the only explanation for why Fabián did not overcome the infection," said Melissa Rojas, sister of the deceased minor, in statements to the mentioned media outlet.
The case also reflects unusual practices in the hospital. At one point, lacking a suitable cannula, they used the cap of a bottle instead.
Fatal complications and surgical errors
On September 2, 11 days after the first operation, the doctors decided to operate on Fabián again.
The delay was fatal. He was already showing signs of widespread sepsis.
In this new intervention, they extracted fluid from the abdomen and discovered internal bruising, apparently caused by the first surgery.
From that moment on, his health began to decline rapidly: he suffered from hypoglycemia, pneumothorax, kidney failure, and several respiratory arrests.
Unfortunately, during the intubation, they perforated his esophagus.
Later, when a nasogastric tube was inserted, a lung was perforated. He was connected to a ventilator for thirteen days without receiving a tracheostomy, which resulted in a state of severe malnutrition.
According to the testimony of the minor's mother to CubaNet, they were not even informed before invasive procedures were performed on him.
Fabián was technically already dead two days before his passing, but his parents only found out afterwards.
The family complaint and institutional silence
The family filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Public Health. A meeting was organized with a medical committee, chaired by Dr. Katherine Chivás Pérez.
However, only two doctors attended the meeting, one of whom was Dr. Milagros, who tried to justify the events based on the medical record, a document drafted by the medical staff itself and to which patients do not have access.
Dr. Milagros acknowledged some "incidents" during the procedures, but dismissed any notion of negligence, instead citing a "lack of communication" with the family.
For the parents, that explanation was unacceptable. They signed their disagreement and announced that they would take the case to the Medical-Penal Commission. To date, they have not received a response.
"There was no interest in saving my son's life," the father claims.
"There has to be a consequence, there has to be reparations for us, the family. For the life of our child that was lost," concludes Fabián's sister.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alleged Medical Negligence in Cuba
What happened to Luis Fabián Rojas Rodríguez at the Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana?
Luis Fabián Rojas Rodríguez, an 11-year-old boy, passed away following a series of medical errors at the Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana. He was initially misdiagnosed with a viral condition instead of appendicitis, which delayed his treatment. Despite eventually undergoing surgery, he suffered postoperative complications that were not properly addressed, leading to his deterioration and eventual death.
How has Luis Fabián's family reacted to his death?
The family of Luis Fabián has begun a fight for justice. They have filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and have expressed their disagreement with the explanations provided by the medical staff, demanding accountability for what they consider an unforgivable act of medical negligence.
What does Luis Fabián's case reveal about the healthcare system in Cuba?
The case of Luis Fabián exposes the systemic flaws of the Cuban healthcare system. It highlights the lack of resources, the inexperience of medical personnel, and the inadequate postoperative care. These issues not only affected Luis Fabián, but also reflect a broader crisis within the Cuban public health system, as evidenced by other cases of alleged medical negligence.
Are there other cases of alleged medical negligence in Cuba?
Yes, there are multiple reports of alleged medical negligence in Cuba. Several recent cases include the deaths of babies and children due to misdiagnoses and inadequate medical care. These reports have raised concerns about the quality and effectiveness of the Cuban healthcare system, particularly in the treatment of vulnerable patients.
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