Damir Ortiz, a young boy from Cuba who was urgently flown to the United States in a critical condition to receive specialized medical care, is showing encouraging signs of recovery at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. According to his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, who shared updates with activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, doctors have successfully identified and treated a new bacterial infection in his body. Moreover, his lungs are continually improving.
In a heartwarming moment, his mother recounted that Damir surprised her by moving his shoulders to the beat of a cartoon song playing on his hospital room's TV, as highlighted in a Facebook post by Salcedo Verdecia. When asked jokingly by his mother if he was dancing, he eagerly nodded in agreement, relayed the activist.
Damir's journey to receiving adequate medical attention has been fraught with challenges. Thanks to the relentless efforts of activists like Diasniurka Salcedo, Aylín Díaz, and Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano, the boy was airlifted from a hospital in Havana, where his condition was worsening without proper treatment, to Miami on a medical flight.
The family and their support network faced significant bureaucratic and financial hurdles to secure Damir and his mother's humanitarian visas and the necessary clearances for their evacuation. Given the severity of his condition, a commercial flight was not an option, making the chartering of a specialized medical aircraft essential.
Salcedo has openly criticized the Cuban government for the dire state Damir found himself in, accusing the authorities of delaying his departure from the country, which endangered his life. "Had they allowed him to leave earlier, his health wouldn't have become so critical. The Cuban government let a child suffer before permitting his transfer," she stated.
Damir Ortiz's Medical Journey and Challenges
What medical improvements has Damir shown in Miami?
Damir has shown improvements in his lung condition and has successfully been treated for a new bacterial infection.
Who were the key figures in arranging Damir's transfer to the United States?
Activists Diasniurka Salcedo and Aylín Díaz, along with Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano, played crucial roles in facilitating Damir's transfer.
Why was a commercial flight not feasible for Damir's journey?
Due to the severity of his health condition, Damir required a specialized medical aircraft to ensure his safe transfer.
What criticisms have been directed at the Cuban government regarding Damir's case?
Activist Diasniurka Salcedo criticized the Cuban government for delaying Damir's departure, which she claims exacerbated his health crisis.