Dr. Santa Gaspar Lewis, a Cuban physician from Guantánamo, tragically died early Wednesday morning in Angola after suffering complications from malaria. Her untimely passing has left her community in mourning. She had been diligently working as an Internal Medicine specialist under a personal contract in the African nation for several years.
Journalist Miguel Reyes shared the heart-wrenching news on Thursday via his Facebook profile, highlighting her unwavering dedication and professionalism. He expressed his sorrow with the words: "Rest in Peace my friend and colleague Santa Gaspar," accompanied by heartfelt acknowledgments of her contributions and career.
The comment section was filled with condolences from those who respected and cherished her both as a physician and a human being. Her death has reignited discussions about the challenges faced by Cuban medical professionals abroad.
Previous Tragedy Raises Concerns
In July, another Cuban doctor, Yaneidys Barea Gregori, also succumbed to malaria shortly after returning from a medical mission in Angola. Her death, just days after her return, sparked a wave of criticism regarding the effectiveness and conditions of the Cuban healthcare system.
Barea, only 40 years old, died on July 4th in Las Tunas province after spending 18 months in Angola. Her friends and family are demanding justice, believing that there was a failure in the protocols and that the disease could have been addressed earlier and more effectively.
In a detailed Facebook post, Juli Elena Jareno elaborated on the case, emphasizing that the supposed free healthcare promoted by Cuba's communist regime is meaningless when it costs innocent lives.
Another Loss in the Medical Community
Last Saturday, the death of Cuban doctor Jorge Luis Dupré Zanetti was confirmed. He succumbed to a heart attack while serving as the health director in Carrizal, Miranda state, Venezuela. Local media reported that Dupré had devoted his recent years to providing medical care in Venezuela as part of the cooperation program between Cuba and Venezuela.
Concerns Over Cuban Healthcare System
What were the circumstances of Dr. Santa Gaspar Lewis's death?
Dr. Santa Gaspar Lewis died in Angola due to complications from malaria, where she had been working as an Internal Medicine specialist.
How did Yaneidys Barea Gregori's death impact public opinion?
Her death led to criticism of the Cuban healthcare system, with accusations of ineffective protocols and inadequate treatment of diseases like malaria.
What role did Jorge Luis Dupré Zanetti play in Venezuela?
He served as the health director in Carrizal, Miranda state, contributing to medical care under the Cuba-Venezuela cooperation program.