A Cuban mother and her family have been devastated since Friday, September 13th, following the tragic death of her newborn baby, allegedly due to medical negligence at the Ana Betancourt de Mora Maternity Hospital in Camagüey.
"Today, a mother has been left heartbroken because the team of doctors on duty at the Ana Betancourt de Mora Maternity Hospital in our city of Camagüey, on September 13th, knowing that the baby had defecated in the mother's womb, failed to urgently transfer her to the operating room for a cesarean section to prevent the death of the child we were so eagerly expecting," explained family member Amauris Domínguez Pupo.
The source, who initially praised the Cuban healthcare system before making the accusation, wants to ensure that "the death of our baby does not go unpunished," as the doctors on that shift turned the mother’s joy into immense sorrow.
A cousin of the mother, named Lizi Domínguez Estrada, shared her grief on the Facebook group "Revolico Camagüey 2024," hoping that this incident would gain public attention.
"My cousin is suffering, an entire family is in pain, a pain that could have been avoided if they had done their job correctly. We just want justice," wrote the user.
As of the close of this report, no further details about the shocking allegation have emerged.
Recurring Incidents of Alleged Medical Negligence in Cuba
In recent years, several families have taken to social media to report the deaths of newborns and/or mothers following presumed cases of medical negligence.
Last January, a family reported on social media the death of a newborn due to poor medical care at the Enrique Cabrera Cossío General Teaching Hospital, popularly known as the "National Hospital," in Havana.
In 2021, an important journalistic investigation titled "Broken Births" revealed that hundreds of women have been victims of obstetric violence in Cuba in recent years. A dedicated website shared testimonies, statistics, and analyses on the matter.
Out of 514 questionnaires completed by Cuban mothers—60% of whom had natural births and 40% by cesarean— the investigation highlighted a lack of empathy and information from Cuban healthcare personnel.
The findings pointed to unprofessionalism and insensitivity from medical staff, who have even gone as far as to offend women during labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Negligence in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide further insight into the issue of medical negligence in Cuba, based on recent reports and investigations.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence refers to a breach of duty by healthcare professionals, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. This often involves failing to provide the standard of care that is expected in a particular medical situation.
How common are cases of medical negligence in Cuba?
While there is no official data, numerous reports from families and journalistic investigations suggest that medical negligence, particularly involving childbirth, is a significant issue in Cuba.
What steps can families take if they suspect medical negligence?
Families can report suspected cases of medical negligence to healthcare authorities, seek legal advice, and share their experiences on social media to raise awareness and demand accountability.