In a recently shared video, activists Diasniurka Salcedo, Aylín Díaz, and Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano recount the arduous journey that made it possible to transfer Damir from a hospital in Havana to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. The child, who was airlifted to Florida in a medical plane, was in critical condition due to the lack of specialized care available on the island.
Salcedo directly blamed the Cuban government for Damir's deteriorated health, accusing the regime of preventing the child from receiving necessary treatment abroad for far too long. According to the activist, if the Cuban authorities had allowed his transfer sooner, his health crisis might have been less severe. "It's appalling to see how a dictatorship nearly let a child die rather than admitting faults in their healthcare system. Damir's arrival in this country is nothing short of a miracle," she lamented.
The team also elaborated on the challenges they faced when arranging the humanitarian visa for Damir and his mother at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, as well as the hurdles they overcame to charter the aircraft that ultimately transported him to Miami. Due to his health, traveling on a commercial flight was not an option, as he required medical equipment and specialized care throughout the journey. Despite bureaucratic and financial obstacles, they succeeded in organizing the trip, giving Damir a new chance at life.
Key Challenges in Damir's Medical Transfer from Cuba
Why was Damir in critical condition?
Damir's condition was critical due to the lack of specialized medical care available in Cuba.
What obstacles did the activists face in transferring Damir?
The activists encountered challenges securing a humanitarian visa and chartering a medical flight due to Damir's need for on-board medical support.
How did the activists view the Cuban government's role in Damir's health crisis?
The activists criticized the Cuban government for delaying Damir's transfer abroad, exacerbating his health condition.