The urgent transfer of young Cuban Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez to the United States for critical medical care remains stalled due to bureaucratic hurdles. A necessary hospital admission letter, crucial for the air ambulance to proceed, is pending. The issuance of this letter hinges on proving financial support to cover hospital admission expenses, a requirement that remains unmet.
In a Facebook live session, Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, Aylín Diaz, and Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez revealed that although Damir is registered with the Nicholas Children's Hospital, the institution demands a financial guarantee before acceptance. Despite having the backing of an oncologist affiliated with the center, the hospital insists on either valid U.S. health insurance or a backup account containing at least $300,000 to cover initial costs until permanent insurance is arranged.
This requirement has complicated the process, as available health insurances would only be activated from next month, a timeframe incompatible with the child's urgent condition. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to secure the financial guarantee mandated by the hospital. During the live session, it was mentioned that an individual might have offered the backup account, but it remains unclear if the offer meets the hospital's criteria or has been officially accepted.
The family and those managing the transfer have sought various avenues to expedite a solution, reaching out to public figures and financially capable individuals who could provide the necessary backup account. They emphasize that this money would serve solely as a temporary guarantee until Damir secures U.S. health insurance.
Meanwhile, the air ambulance is prepared and waiting to transport Damir as soon as this bureaucratic hurdle is cleared, which could potentially happen by Monday or Tuesday. However, the journey remains on hold until the hospital issues the admission letter. An update on the status of the paperwork is anticipated soon, hoping to unlock the process and enable the child to receive the urgently needed medical care.
Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez's health remains precarious, with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in the right eye, and acute leukemia. Recent reports indicate his condition is severe and unstable, necessitating emergency transfusions due to frequent drops in platelet and hemoglobin levels.
With no viable options remaining within Cuba, his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, has publicly appealed to the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), accusing them of medical negligence. In a desperate plea on social media, she demanded immediate action to save her son's life.
Following a vigorous campaign and pressure from activists and international organizations, Damir was finally granted a humanitarian visa by the U.S. Embassy, enabling his transfer to a Miami hospital for specialized treatment. The primary obstacle that remained was securing the funding for his transfer. Through a concerted effort by the Cuban community, the necessary funds were quickly raised to cover the cost of the air ambulance, thanks to donations from Cubans both within the country and abroad.
FAQs on Damir's Medical Transfer to the U.S.
What is causing the delay in Damir's transfer to the U.S.?
The delay is due to the lack of a hospital admission letter, which requires a financial guarantee to cover initial medical expenses.
How much money is needed for the financial guarantee?
A backup account with at least $300,000 is required to cover any initial expenses until Damir's permanent insurance is arranged.
What is Damir's current health condition?
Damir is critically ill with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in the right eye, and acute leukemia, requiring frequent emergency transfusions.
Has any progress been made in securing the financial backing?
There have been offers, but it remains unclear if they meet the hospital's criteria or have been officially accepted.