Friends of the late Cuban journalist Magda Iris Chirolde López, who served as the chief editor for news programs at Canal Caribe, have raised concerns about a possible case of medical negligence following her death.
"Magda Iris Chirolde died due to medical negligence, and while nothing can bring her back, this is also a way to honor her. A dignified, genuine, and sincere way... The records say she died of dengue, they say. The cries of a mother allege otherwise," said Alejandro Trujillo Valdés on Facebook.
Trujillo, a friend of the deceased, shared a heartfelt message asserting that the family and close friends are not seeking to blame anyone for this tragic loss but emphasize the importance of reporting what appears to be another case of medical negligence in Cuba.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Death of Magda Iris Chirolde
"Young, healthy, newly married. So, the inevitable question arises: Why? The media echoes her death like funeral bells. Everyone talks about Magda, and it hurts, but it hurts even more to try to find solace in a mother's cries, her mother, who repeats over and over: 'They let her die, they killed my little girl,'" Trujillo stated.
The death of Magda Iris Chirolde López occurred on Wednesday night at the age of 33, initially without an official cause reported by state media. On Thursday, an independent source informed 14ymedio that the presumed cause of death was dengue. The young woman passed away while waiting for treatment in the emergency room of the Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Freyre de Andrade in the Centro Habana municipality.
Trujillo explained that they were part of a close-knit group of friends who met in high school. "We are friends for life, like a kind of brotherhood; without too many codes or subtleties. Together, we created a bond that transcends time, borders, political beliefs, or status," he explained.
She "was always the most mature and disciplined of us all. The first to respond, the only one who never skipped class. Magda was so correct to the very core of that word." Upon learning of her death, the group united in grief and sorrow.
"No words were needed; we all came together, those here, those over there, those on the other side of the Atlantic, the left, the right. We were all there, without prior appointment, without formalities, without those human formulas to measure everything. Together, as we had been so many times," Trujillo said, dedicating a heartfelt farewell to Magda on behalf of Grupo 9, who will always remember her.
Key Questions About Medical Negligence in Cuba
The following questions and answers address the pressing issues surrounding medical negligence in Cuba, especially in light of the tragic death of Magda Iris Chirolde López.
What are the main concerns regarding medical negligence in Cuba?
The primary concerns include inadequate medical facilities, lack of timely treatment, and insufficient medical staff, which can lead to preventable deaths.
How did Magda Iris Chirolde López's death highlight these issues?
Her death, allegedly due to dengue while waiting for treatment, underscores the systemic problems in Cuba's healthcare system, including delays and possible negligence in medical care.
What actions are being taken to address medical negligence in Cuba?
Families and friends of victims are increasingly raising awareness and demanding accountability, but systemic change remains challenging due to the political environment.