Father Alleges Medical Negligence Led to 3-Year-Old Daughter's Death in Cuba

"Calm down, everything is fine." These were the words from the pediatricians in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, to Yuddiel Olivera, father of Adriana Olivera Castillo, who tragically passed away at the age of three in Cuba. Allegedly, the doctors failed to diagnose her condition in time and provide effective treatment. Initially, they suspected she had the Oropouche virus, but complications arose, and in a critical state, a doctor instructed the mother to remove her oxygen and carry her to the intensive care unit. This decision, questioned by other medical staff, seemingly worsened her condition. The parents have been informed that the case has been closed without any accountability.

The child was admitted on July 1st due to vomiting and headaches, after enduring these symptoms for nine days. "She didn't want to eat and vomited what little she did eat," the father recounted. Tamara Ruiz de Ávila, the pediatrician attending her, initially assured the parents that the girl was slightly dehydrated but not in alarming condition. However, after conducting tests that yielded no conclusive results, the doctor merely prescribed gravinol, which only temporarily alleviated the vomiting.

The parents continued taking her to the hospital, where they were told it was likely a viral infection, possibly the Oropouche virus, transmitted by a type of gnat. On July 1st, as the vomiting intensified, she was admitted to Roberto Rodríguez Hospital in Ciego de Ávila. The pediatricians reassured the parents, claiming the symptoms were normal and attempted two unsuccessful lumbar punctures, which worsened her condition.

Despite the parents' growing concern, the doctors insisted on waiting until July 8th to transfer her to a pediatric hospital in Camagüey. They detected a "possible hydrocephalus" but downplayed its severity. By the night of July 4th, her condition had deteriorated significantly. Pediatrician Yunier Vázquez, on duty at the time, maintained that she was stable despite her worsening symptoms.

On July 5th, the child exhibited signs of epileptic seizures, prompting an urgent transfer to intensive care. However, the process was delayed as the medical staff prepared the necessary paperwork. Shockingly, the doctor removed her oxygen and instructed the mother to carry her to the ICU, resulting in the child almost dying en route due to aspirating fluids without respiratory assistance. Intensive care specialists deemed the transfer method "insane."

Adriana fought for three days in intensive care but succumbed to her condition on July 8th at 4:20 pm, reportedly due to hydrocephalus caused by meningitis. The parents declined an autopsy. The hospital director assured the family that the case would be resolved, but they later learned it had been closed.

The father expressed dissatisfaction with the pediatric care, particularly criticizing Dr. Vázquez for his inadequate attention. He acknowledged the efforts of the intensive care staff but condemned the overall neglect in the Miscellaneous Ward.

Increasing numbers of Cubans are losing loved ones and alleging medical negligence, attributing these issues to inexperienced doctors left on the island while skilled physicians are sent on international missions. Miguel Ángel Ruano, president of the Cuban Free Medical Guild, cited this as a significant factor. Economist Pedro Monreal has recently criticized Cuba's prioritization of tourism development over healthcare and education infrastructure.

The Oropouche virus epidemic is further straining Cuba's already weakened healthcare system, still reeling from the COVID-19 crisis. As of early July, the virus had spread to 39 municipalities across 12 of Cuba's 15 provinces, according to the Ministry of Public Health, sparing only Havana, Las Tunas, Pinar del Río, and the Isle of Youth.