The Cuban surgeon Yonardo Fonseca Mesa reported this Thursday that he was removed from the hospital where he worked in Ciego de Ávila, just a few weeks after receiving his "release" from the National Health System.
In a Facebook post, Fonseca explained that approximately two weeks ago he was notified of his release, a process that, according to him, would allow him to travel outside the country or start working in another sector.
However, he pointed out that he still does not have a passport and that he decided to continue seeing patients while gathering what was needed to start a new stage outside the healthcare system.
"Since I still don't have a passport and I'm not working for the miserable salary of a surgeon (it's been almost five months since I could take a peso from my card), I decided, like other doctors in similar situations, to continue doing what I love most: taking care of patients and saving lives," he explained.
The situation changed on September 10, when, according to his account, while he was consulting, he was informed that as of the 3rd, he no longer belonged to the hospital.
"I was notified that as of the 3rd and by decision of the hospital director, I was no longer a doctor at this institution, meaning I was basically expelled a week ago," he reported.
Fonseca also presented a document dated September 3, 2026 and issued by the Human Resources Department of the Provincial General Teaching Hospital Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola, in Ciego de Ávila.
The letter, addressed to Fonseca as a mastology specialist, states: "Through this correspondence and at the direction of the director, I inform you that now that you are released, your employment activity at our hospital center will cease today."
The doctor attributed what happened to possible reprisals and asserted that behind the decision lies a "dark and diabolical hand."
"I know very well what they are capable of and all the dirty tricks they use against those, like me, who oppose them openly," he stated.
He also criticized colleagues who, according to him, engage in such actions in exchange for holding positions within the system.
Before closing his message, Fonseca dedicated some words to his patients: “Strength to continue facing your illness with dignity and courage.”
He thanked his friends for "their good advice and unconditional support," while to those he referred to as his enemies, he said: "I hope one day I can thank you for giving me this push that I may have needed to get out of all this."
The surgeon concluded his post with the phrase: «God, Homeland, Life, and Freedom!».
The episode occurs months after Fonseca was involved in other confrontations with the authorities at his workplace.
In April, he publicly reported a treatment he deemed humiliating within the hospital itself, after an official ordered him to leave an elevator while he was on his way to operate on two cancer patients.
Later, Fonseca reported that he was being detained, raising concern among colleagues and followers.
After being released, he explained that he had been taken in for a "conversation" and to sign a warning letter.
The doctor linked that action to his public criticisms regarding what happened at the hospital.
Related videos:
Filed under: