The Provincial Health Directorate of Holguín has refuted allegations of medical negligence concerning the death of a 20-day-old infant, stating that the baby died from complications acquired in the community. This statement is in response to claims made by the child's mother, Arlety González, who told the independent media outlet CubaNet that her son died due to medical negligence at the Maternal and Child Hospital of Banes and later at the Provincial Pediatric Hospital.
According to the mother, the child became ill on January 24 and suffered a fatal outcome after being transferred between the two institutions. González asserted that the doctors did not provide adequate information about her son's condition and that an adverse reaction to the antibiotic Rocephin led to the baby's death.
The MINSAP has labeled the news as false and has provided a detailed timeline of events, starting by clarifying that the baby's name was not Daniel Alejandro, but Sair Maiyer González González. According to their statement, the baby received priority care from the moment he arrived at the Maternal and Child Hospital of Banes, where he was immediately moved to the Neonatology Service and treated as a "serious patient."
"He was later transferred, accompanied by his mother in the neonatal ambulance with specialists and nurses to ensure his safe transfer to the Neonatology Service of the Provincial Pediatric Hospital. At no time was the mother denied the opportunity to accompany her baby," the statement detailed.
At the Provincial Pediatric Hospital, the infant was received in critical condition with community-acquired sepsis, worsened by the administration of home remedies contraindicated for his age, specifically marjoram tea, the MINSAP clarified.
The state entity assures that the baby received intensive care, including artificial ventilation and antibiotic treatment according to established protocols. No adverse reactions to Rocephin were recorded, and the treatment was adjusted to a broader-spectrum antibiotic to achieve better results, the organization explained.
However, the refractory sepsis resulted in septic shock, causing the newborn's death. Throughout the process, the mother was informed about the baby's critical condition and prognosis, and psychological support was provided to her after the death, the note emphasized.
The Provincial Health Directorate also denied that red beret agents were present at the hospital to prevent the mother from taking her deceased child home for the wake.
This case adds to other allegations of medical negligence in Cuba and marks a trend in the authorities' responses, which in recent months have often ended up blaming the mothers for their children's deaths. According to the Cuban Medical Free Guild, the absence of veteran doctors on the island has increased problems of diagnosis and medical care.
Cuban families have lost confidence in healthcare facilities and medical staff amid severe shortages of medicines, supplies, and the deteriorating condition of hospitals.
Questions and Answers on MINSAP's Response and Medical Negligence in Cuba
Given the serious nature of the allegations and the official responses, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding MINSAP's stance and the issue of medical negligence in Cuba.
What did MINSAP state as the cause of the baby's death?
MINSAP stated that the baby died from community-acquired sepsis, which was aggravated by the administration of marjoram tea, a home remedy contraindicated for infants.
How did the baby's mother, Arlety González, describe the events leading to her child's death?
Arlety González claimed that her son died due to medical negligence at the Maternal and Child Hospital of Banes and the Provincial Pediatric Hospital, stating that doctors failed to provide adequate information and that an adverse reaction to the antibiotic Rocephin was to blame.
What measures did MINSAP claim were taken for the baby's care?
MINSAP claimed that the baby received intensive care, including artificial ventilation and antibiotic treatment according to established protocols, and that the treatment was adjusted to a broader-spectrum antibiotic when necessary.
Why has there been a loss of confidence in Cuba's healthcare system?
There has been a growing loss of confidence in Cuba's healthcare system due to severe shortages of medicines and supplies, deteriorating hospital conditions, and the absence of experienced medical professionals.