The recent televised appearance of a group of Cuban doctors attempting to "clarify" the situation surrounding young Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez has ignited a wave of outrage across social media. Citizens and healthcare professionals alike have accused these doctors of deceit and covering up a series of negligent acts.
Eliannis Ramírez, the boy's mother, responded fiercely to what was broadcast in the special program, slamming the effort to publicly blame her for her son's medical condition as "cruel" and "cowardly." "My son left Cuba critically ill and is now breathing on his own thanks to the treatment he received in the United States," she stated, pointing out that his health visibly improved only after receiving care outside of Cuba.
On platforms like Facebook's CiberCuba and the government-affiliated Cubadebate, a growing chorus of critics echoed a common sentiment: Cuba's healthcare system is collapsing, functioning more as a mechanism of concealment than one of genuine medical care. "As a Cuban doctor, I know medical records are filled with lies that the Ministry of Public Health mandates," a Facebook user revealed. Another medical professional expressed shame and frustration over his colleagues' televised actions, accusing them of dishonesty and attempting to scapegoat a desperate mother.
Damir's case has become emblematic of the deteriorating Cuban healthcare system. Initially misdiagnosed with a type of leukemia he did not have and lacking proper treatment for a bacterial infection, his condition only began to improve once he left the country on a humanitarian visa. "Those who justify, kill," declared exiled doctor Alexander Jesús Figueredo Izaguirre. In a viral message, he branded the doctors involved as "mouthpieces of power" and "walking propaganda" for a system that values ideology over human lives. His sentiments were echoed by hundreds who demanded justice and shared their outrage.
The public also criticized the unequal access to medications and treatments. "Everyone knows you have to buy drugs on the street, sometimes more expensive than in Europe," a commenter noted. Others decried the hypocrisy of a system that boasts of free healthcare while forcing patients to beg for supplies, bribe doctors, or wait endlessly for surgeries.
Even within Cubadebate, the official platform, comments were largely critical. Many users responded with sarcasm, pain, or anger towards those staunchly defending the Cuban medical system. "Admit you failed as doctors. Damir is now in good hands," one commenter urged.
Simultaneously, several users questioned why an official version of the case took so long to be presented, and why critical details, such as the real diagnosis and the type of treatment Damir is receiving in the U.S., were omitted.
Meanwhile, Damir continues his recovery outside of Cuba, far from the hospitals that nearly cost him his life, according to numerous accounts. What began as a mother's social media plea has laid bare the deep cracks in a healthcare system that no longer convinces even its own workers.
Understanding the Outcry Over Cuba's Healthcare System
Why did the televised appearance of Cuban doctors spark outrage?
The appearance was seen as an attempt to blame the child's mother for his condition while covering up medical negligence, prompting widespread criticism and accusations of deceit.
How has Damir's condition improved since leaving Cuba?
Damir's health has shown significant improvement after receiving medical treatment in the United States, where he is now able to breathe independently.
What criticisms are being leveled against the Cuban healthcare system?
Critics argue that the system is more focused on covering up failures than providing adequate medical care, with issues such as unequal access to medications, reliance on street purchases, and long wait times for surgeries.