The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC) has added several Cuban doctors to its "list of white coat oppressors" after their involvement in a TV broadcast about the late child, Damir Ortiz, aired without the consent of his mother, Eliannis Ramírez. Rolando Cartaya, a spokesperson for the foundation, accused the doctors of participating in a "televised charade" to absolve the Cuban healthcare system of any wrongdoing in the child's case, instead placing blame on the mother.
"They have concealed serious medical negligence and violated the family's right to the truth," stated Cartaya in an exclusive interview with journalist Mario J Pentón. The implicated doctors include Arais Consuegra, director of Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital; Orestes López, director of the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Wilfredo Roque García, director of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology; and José Luis Aparicio, a hematologist and MINSAP official overseeing postgraduate programs.
According to the complaint, these doctors, who did not directly treat Damir, claimed on Cuban National Television that he received proper care when, in fact, basic pain relief like tramadol was unavailable, and numerous tests were performed without yielding a clear diagnosis. Cartaya noted that the doctors refused to sign a letter authorizing the child's transfer to the United States, where he eventually died in a septic state, despite tests in Cuba indicating negative results.
Furthermore, while Damir was treated for a supposed Burkitt lymphoma in Cuba, doctors in the U.S. determined he did not have this condition, underscoring the accusations of misdiagnosis and concealment of clinical information. "To us, they are white coat oppressors. They have used their medical positions to uphold the regime's narrative rather than the patient's rights," concluded Cartaya, emphasizing that the list aims to publicly shame regime enforcers.
Impact of Medical Negligence and Media Manipulation in Cuba
None of the doctors directly attended to Damir. Instead, they have been vocal defenders of a crumbling regime and healthcare system. Pentón recalled the media backlash faced by the child's mother, highlighting that being on the list could restrict the accused individuals' ability to enter the U.S.
The child's mother began her public allegations over two years ago when Damir's health worsened amidst a shortage of essential medications in Cuba's hospitals. In recent months, her pleas for help rallied thousands of Cubans both on the island and abroad, culminating in Damir's air ambulance transfer to the United States despite the regime's obstacles. Tragically, the child arrived in septic shock and succumbed to complications from a bacterial infection likely contracted in Cuba.
Determined to seek justice, his mother has vowed to take legal action against the Cuban government for the inadequate medical care, particularly in cases involving children with complex illnesses like her son's.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Damir Ortiz Case
Who is included in the FDHC's list of "white coat oppressors"?
The list includes Arais Consuegra, Orestes López, Wilfredo Roque García, and José Luis Aparicio, among others, for their involvement in a TV broadcast about Damir Ortiz.
What was the alleged negligence in Damir Ortiz's medical treatment?
The negligence included a lack of basic pain medications, incorrect diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, and failure to authorize his transfer to the U.S. for proper treatment.
What actions is Eliannis Ramírez taking following her son's death?
She plans to sue the Cuban government for the deficient medical care provided to her son and to seek justice for the mishandling of his case.