Renowned Baracoa Doctor's Passing Mourned by Cuban Community

The Cuban community took to social media to express their sorrow over the passing of a well-respected doctor from Baracoa, a specialist in allergology, who died this past Sunday. Ana Rita Fernández Matos passed away in the early hours of March 30 in Havana, with causes of death yet to be disclosed, as reported by state journalist Miguel Reyes Mendoza on his Facebook page.

Fernández Matos, a first-degree specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine and Allergology, and a master in Child Care, served as an assistant professor and worked for many years at the Hermanos Martínez Tamayo Polyclinic in Baracoa. "An exceptional human being and outstanding professional, but above all, deeply loved by everyone," stated the state reporter. Fernández Matos authored numerous scientific articles on the risks of asthma in children and other conditions.

Hundreds were shocked and saddened by Fernández's unexpected death, expressing their grief in comments mourning her loss. "What can I say about her? She was always there for us, her Specialty colleagues. I feel this pain deeply in my heart, and her family knows it. Even though she wasn't in Baracoa, we always kept in touch. Rest in peace, my dear colleague," a netizen shared. Friends and family all agreed she was a joyful, compassionate, and generous individual. "People like you should live for centuries. When we heard the news, we hoped someone would refute it, hoping it was a mistake, but it wasn't. My super doctor, for my family, my child, for everyone who knew you. Fly high, my dear, and rest in peace," lamented another Cuban.

One friend expressed being "bewildered" by the news, stating, "My dear friend Ana Rita, rest in peace. May God guide you to eternal rest, and may the eternal light shine upon you always. My condolences to her family, her husband Tony, and her children. I feel deeply sorry," shared another. Those who knew her highlighted her as a great friend and an excellent professional, "always cheerful and unwavering." Last year, Cubans also mourned the loss of the distinguished doctor Nancy Duquesne García, who had long led the ophthalmology service at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital in Villa Clara.

Dr. Fernández Matos was not only a leader in medical care but also in educating future generations of professionals. She participated in various medical missions and contributed to training professionals in other countries.