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A young mother from Camagüey publicly denounced medical negligence which, she claims, led to the death of her newborn daughter and left her on the brink of death due to untreated complications during her pregnancy.
The case was reported by Lianet Barranco, a first-time mother, to independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada. The heart-wrenching testimony from the young woman reveals that she entered the maternal hospital in the province in April 2025, hoping to receive specialized care to give birth to her baby.
However, she began to show alarming symptoms —swelling, pain, and general discomfort—without proper examinations or timely monitoring being conducted. “They didn't react in time,” the young woman told Tan Estrada.
The diagnosis came too late: severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
According to Barranco, no one clearly explained her condition and the critical signs of her placenta, which had already reached grade three prematurely, were ignored.
The outcome was devastating: the baby passed away, and she was at risk of losing her life. “I lost my daughter without anyone taking responsibility. My family witnessed how they left me without care, how they ignored the signs, and how vital time was lost,” she told the journalist.
The young woman asserts that her case is not isolated and that similar situations continue to occur in hospitals like the one in Camagüey.
Therefore, she called for these stories to be heard and for changes to be demanded in the Cuban healthcare system: “My baby deserved to live. And I deserved to be cared for.”
Medical negligence in Camagüey
Lianet's testimony has become a call for justice and for reforms that ensure responsible medical care for Cuban mothers, so that tragedies like hers do not happen again.
The scarcity of resources, personnel, and equipment in the Cuban healthcare system is critical. Numerous cases of medical negligence have been reported, highlighting a systematic deterioration that impacts the proper and timely care of patients.
In July, a two-year-old boy died in Camagüey due to a series of alleged medical negligence.
The minor initially received care without the presence of a specialist, and the necessary clinical tests were not conducted, resulting in a misdiagnosis and ultimately in his death from complications of hemorrhagic dengue.
Frequently asked questions about medical negligence in Camagüey and the Cuban health system
What happened in the medical malpractice case reported by Lianet Barranco in Camagüey?
Lianet Barranco reported that her newborn daughter died due to medical negligence in a hospital in Camagüey. During her pregnancy, Lianet exhibited critical symptoms that were not addressed in a timely manner, resulting in a late diagnosis of severe preeclampsia and other complications that endangered her life and led to the death of her daughter.
What is the current situation of the healthcare system in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a serious structural crisis, characterized by a shortage of resources, insufficient personnel, and unsanitary conditions in hospitals. This situation has led to numerous cases of medical negligence and poor medical care, as evidenced by the complaints of various patients and affected families in different provinces of the country.
What other reports of medical negligence have been documented in Camagüey?
In Camagüey, multiple cases of medical negligence have been reported, including the death of a two-year-old boy due to diagnostic errors and a lack of timely care. Another notable case involved a 69-year-old woman who died after her symptoms were dismissed as mere nerves. These cases reflect a concerning pattern of inadequate medical attention in the region.
What measures have been taken to address the issues of the Cuban health system?
Despite the reports and the official acknowledgment of the crisis in the Cuban health system, no effective measures have been implemented to improve the situation. The government continues to blame the problems on the U.S. embargo, without addressing the internal shortcomings. The lack of resources and specialized personnel continues to severely impact medical care on the island.
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