Official regime spokesperson Humberto López has sparked controversy with his response to the tragic death of Cuban child Damir Ortiz. He shared a message on Facebook that criticized the child's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, for her comments on the deficiencies in the Cuban healthcare system.
In his post, López echoed the sentiments of a regime supporter, Orestes Hernández Hernández, using the phrase, "A child has died, an angel, many would say." While it might seem like a heartfelt expression of mourning for Damir, who passed away in a Miami hospital, López used the opportunity to criticize Ramírez, who has been vocal about the shortcomings in Cuba's healthcare.
The post acknowledged the child's death, stating, "It's a child, his color, age, nothing matters, he's a child," expressing sorrow while simultaneously claiming not to judge the mother "despite everything she said." However, he quickly shifted to defending Cuban doctors, suggesting Ramírez was manipulated into criticizing the island’s healthcare system.
López asserted, "Our doctors (the worthy ones, wherever they live) don't need defending. Their work and effort are out of this world. I know them here and elsewhere." He condemned those who allegedly used Ramírez and her child for their agenda, claiming she was put on display at a press conference under false pretenses.
Damir's case has become emblematic of the deteriorating healthcare in Cuba. Initially misdiagnosed with leukemia and inadequately treated for a bacterial infection, his condition improved once he was granted a humanitarian visa and left the country. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to the bacteria he contracted in Cuba.
After a fervent campaign, Damir was transported to the United States for proper medical care. From there, Ramírez highlighted diagnostic errors and, with other activists, criticized the island's failure to provide appropriate care for severe illnesses, especially in children like Damir, who suffered for years without proper treatment.
Although the Cuban regime, through Humberto López, acknowledged the healthcare system's shortcomings by admitting "we don't have everything," they also issued legal warnings to those exposing medical care failures in Cuba. They attempted to shift focus by praising the efforts of Cuban medical professionals.
The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) insisted that decisions regarding Damir's care were made collectively and blamed the mother for not authorizing specific procedures. However, Ramírez maintains that the system failed at all levels.
In a propaganda move, the regime assembled a group of doctors to discredit Eliannis Ramírez's claims in official media. Nevertheless, she stressed that the doctors shown on television had never personally treated Damir.
Questions about Damir Ortiz's Case and Cuban Healthcare
What were the initial medical errors in Damir Ortiz's case?
Damir Ortiz was initially misdiagnosed with a type of leukemia he did not have, and he did not receive appropriate treatment for a bacterial infection.
How did Damir's health situation change after leaving Cuba?
Upon receiving a humanitarian visa and leaving Cuba, Damir started receiving adequate medical care in the United States, which initially improved his condition.
What was the regime's response to the criticisms of the healthcare system?
The regime acknowledged some deficiencies in the healthcare system but attempted to deflect criticism by emphasizing the efforts of Cuban doctors and warning against legal repercussions for those exposing medical care issues.