Fermín Patterson Quintana, a Cuban patient suffering from chronic kidney failure, has accused the authorities in Santiago de Cuba of neglect and outlined the numerous challenges he faces to receive treatment at the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical-Surgical Hospital.
Communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared Patterson's story on his Facebook page, revealing a heart-wrenching scenario: "It's distressing to see a healthy person struggle, but it's unjust to witness sick individuals endure such shortages," he wrote.
In a video, Patterson explained that he has to wake up very early and travel on his own in the early hours, even in the rain, to reach therapy. "Right now, I'm in treatment, drenched because I arrived on a motorcycle. I've spent 800 pesos just on bike rides since it's the only transportation I can use. Taking a bus could injure me," he recounted of his ordeal.
Frustrated by the countless difficulties, Patterson expressed, "It's a lack of respect and insensitivity from everyone. Nobody cares about us. Perhaps because we have a terminal illness, they think we might die any moment, so they don't care about us."
For this reason, Mayeta called for reflection, attention, and an appeal to sanity. "I won't talk about politics, although in Cuba, everything is political. This is too much, and it has to stop now!"
In December 2023, a Cuban mother made a desperate plea on social media for a catheter for her son, who suffers from kidney failure and undergoes hemodialysis. Two months earlier, another mother requested help for her 15-year-old daughter, who also has chronic kidney failure and has been waiting for a kidney transplant for years.
Mirnellis Saldívar reported on her Facebook wall that her daughter fell ill at the age of seven and has been ready for a transplant since 2019. Meanwhile, in August of the same year, another mother begged for assistance to obtain a humanitarian visa for her son, who is in the terminal stage of chronic kidney failure.
Maylin Rueda Sevila, through the social media of dancer and choreographer Noly Blak, made an urgent appeal to raise funds so her nine-year-old son could secure a humanitarian visa and be operated on in the United States.
Addressing Neglect of Kidney Failure Patients in Cuba
In light of the recent reports of neglect and insufficient care for kidney failure patients in Cuba, it is crucial to address some common concerns and questions that may arise.
What are the main challenges faced by kidney failure patients in Cuba?
Patients with kidney failure in Cuba encounter numerous difficulties including inadequate transportation options, lack of essential medical supplies, and insufficient governmental support.
How are families of patients responding to the situation?
Families of patients have taken to social media to plead for assistance, sharing their stories and seeking help for medical equipment, humanitarian visas, and other necessities.
Is there any governmental response to these accusations of neglect?
As of now, there has been no significant response from the Cuban authorities addressing these accusations of neglect and insensitivity towards kidney failure patients.