Related videos:
The grandson of the dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016), Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, had an incident in Chile that forced him to wear a medical boot, but instead of seeking treatment like any other citizen at a local hospital, he allegedly received a visit from a medical team sent specifically from Havana, a privilege that contrasts sharply with the health crisis faced by the Cuban population.
According to a post on Facebook by the La Tijera user, during a "work" trip to Chile, the young scientist experienced an incident - details have not been provided - which forced him to wear a orthopedic boot.
But "instead of being treated in a local hospital like any citizen, a full medical team traveled from Havana to Santiago de Chile" to assist him, he asserted.
Castro Smirnov, known for his skydiving, is once again at the center of controversy for allegedly receiving privileges that highlight the gap between the political elite and the people, who face long waiting lists, lack of basic medications, and even fatalities due to medical negligence.
The young man showcased on his profile on X his presence in the Chilean city of Valparaíso for the XII Meeting of Graduates of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), located in the west of Havana, downplaying the accident and asserting that "love and commitment" to his grandfather's work is unaffected by injuries, without providing further details.
Shortly after, he posted on the social network itself that he had met with the Rector of the University of Valparaíso and part of his management team.
"With a South-South vision, we aim to promote and implement projects in Science, Research, and Continuing Education between Cuba and Chile," he pointed out.
Less media-savvy than his unruly cousin Sandro Castro, Castro Smirnov is a Full Member of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba and a Full Professor in Nuclear Physics and a Senior Researcher at the Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences (Instec) in Havana.
He is one of the three children of the marriage between the Russian Natasha Smirnova and Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart, who took his own life in Havana in February 2018, due to a depressive state, according to official information.
Meanwhile, on the island, patients must survive amidst hospitals with dreadful conditions, lack of hygiene, and shortages of basic supplies, a contrast that once again highlights how the privileges of the Castro family remain untouched, even as the healthcare system that official propaganda touts as a “medical power” is now on the verge of collapse.
The lack of orthopedic plaster in Cuban hospitals has led ordinary Cubans to resort to various makeshift solutions to replace the material in the event of a fracture.
Wires and cardboard are the most commonly used materials as a solution, a phenomenon that jeopardizes the recovery of patients who are victims of fractures of their limbs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fidel Castro's Grandson and the Health Crisis in Cuba
Why does Fidel Castro's grandson generate controversy in Chile?
Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, grandson of the dictator Fidel Castro, generates controversy because, after an incident in Chile that required him to wear an orthopedic boot, he received medical attention from a team sent from Cuba, which contrasts with the health crisis facing the Cuban population. This act once again highlights the privileges of the political elite compared to the hardships endured by the Cuban people.
What problems does the Cuban healthcare system face currently?
The Cuban healthcare system faces serious issues such as a lack of basic medications, deterioration of medical services, and a shortage of healthcare personnel. These problems have been acknowledged even by the Minister of Public Health, who admitted that only 30% of the basic medication list is covered.
How does the health crisis affect Cuban citizens?
The health crisis in Cuba severely affects citizens, who must confront hospitals in dire conditions, a shortage of medications, and long waiting lists. Many turn to makeshift solutions or the black market to obtain medications, highlighting the desperation of the population in the face of a collapsed system.
What does the figure of Sandro Castro represent in the Cuban context?
Sandro Castro, another grandson of the dictator Fidel Castro, is seen as a symbol of the disconnection and privileges of the ruling elite in Cuba. His actions, such as giving away beers or showing off in luxury cars, contrast sharply with the harsh reality faced by the majority of Cubans, provoking outrage and rejection among the populace.
Filed under: