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The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) published an informative note on social media following the circulation of accusations of abandonment and medical negligence in the case of the young man José Jardiel Mejías, 20 years old, a resident of the municipality of Mayarí, in the province of Holguín, who suffers from advanced facial osteosarcoma.
The report, initially shared on by the activist Adry Díaz, highlighted an alleged "total abandonment of oncology patients" in the municipality, claiming that the young man, who was a Greco-Roman wrestling athlete at the provincial ESPA, is in critical condition and lacking proper medical attention.
In light of the impact of the case, the Municipal Directorate of Public Health of Mayarí issued a statement on its official profile, confirming that the patient is receiving medical care and follow-up from the 26 de Julio University Polyclinic and the family medical office No. 14.
"The file was assembled with the relevant certificates of the treatment indicated by the oncology specialist, which includes Carbamazepine, Tramadol, and other adjuvants to improve his quality of life,” the statement details.
"Yesterday, Dr. Sonia M. Rodríguez Hechavarría issued a prescription for Cosedal (60 tablets) available at the pharmacy and personally accompanied the patient's family member to obtain the medication," the note adds, concluding with a reiteration of "the commitment to the health of the population."
The text, shared under the official hashtags of the regime #CubaPorLaVida and #HonorHolguinero, attempts to refute the accusations of neglect, although it does not provide details about the current condition of the young man or about the continuation of specialized oncological treatment.
According to Díaz, "Jadiel González Mejías, a 20-year-old young man, today perishes without care, in total abandonment, and still threatened by State Security and INDER."
“A few days ago, his father passed away from liver cirrhosis; his mother and sister also died from cancer. The little boy lives with his grandfather who is ill with Parkinson's disease, in inhumane conditions,” the activist added.
The post went viral quickly, generating outrage and demands towards the Cuban healthcare system, especially due to the lack of medications and oncology care in the eastern provinces.
Other accusations from Díaz, who resides in the U.S. but was born in Mayarí, have forced the regime to respond regarding the care of patients.
A few months ago, a video went viral about the conditions of the patients at the local psychiatric hospital, and the Cuban regime responded with a video showing the same patients making denouncements.
Social media users pointed out that the relatives of cancer patients must search for medications on their own, often in the black market or through donations from abroad, due to the lack of drugs in pharmacies and public hospitals.
"There are no painkillers or sedatives. The families of the sick are alone. The government focuses on propaganda while people suffer," they emphasize.
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