A young Cuban girl, Vanessa de la Caridad Ramírez Aquino, who has a tumor in one of her eyes, is now receiving medical treatment at the Rafael Estrada González Institute of Neurology in Havana following a viral complaint by her mother on social media.
Yunisleidy Aquino, the mother of the six-year-old girl, took to her Facebook profile to express her gratitude to everyone who shared her message, ultimately resulting in her daughter's transfer to the hospital this past Tuesday at 2 PM. Aquino explained that after four days of requesting the transfer, her daughter is now being attended to by doctors in Havana.
In her post, the mother described her daughter as a cheerful, loving, and intelligent child who remains in good spirits despite the challenging situation of having a tumor in her left eye. "I thank God and all the people who have shown concern for my daughter," wrote the mother, also expressing thanks to those who helped share her plea on social media.
The case of Vanessa gained public attention when Yunisleidy Aquino revealed on Facebook that the Juan Manuel Márquez Hospital in Havana had refused to admit her daughter and that she had received no response from the Ministry of Health or the provincial director of the Cuban capital. Outraged, she questioned whether the hospital operated as a private entity and if payment was required for medical care or the necessary surgery for her child.
Systemic Issues in Cuban Healthcare
Due to the lack of medical supplies and the overall crisis in the Cuban healthcare system, many mothers resort to social media to publicize their cases and apply pressure to ensure their children receive medical attention. Just a few weeks ago, Cuban mother Rosalba Castillo, who had complained about the lack of medicine needed to treat her son's illness, reported that the medication was found after she called out the government of Pinar del Río on Facebook.
"Were there medicines in Pinar del Río, or was it magic?" she wrote on Facebook, emphasizing that "when a mother fights with reason for her child, you tremble."
FAQs on Healthcare Challenges in Cuba
In light of the recent situations involving Vanessa de la Caridad Ramírez Aquino and Rosalba Castillo, we address some common questions about the healthcare challenges in Cuba.
Why did Vanessa's mother resort to social media for medical help?
Vanessa's mother, Yunisleidy Aquino, used social media to bring attention to her daughter's case after the Juan Manuel Márquez Hospital in Havana refused to admit her daughter and she received no response from the Ministry of Health.
What led to the public attention of Rosalba Castillo's case?
Rosalba Castillo's case garnered public attention after she publicly criticized the government of Pinar del Río on Facebook for the lack of medicines needed to treat her son's illness. Her post resulted in the sudden availability of the required medication.