In a recent official statement, the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba announced that they are currently assessing the "accountability" concerning the tragic death of a two-month-old infant on the morning of May 28. The health authorities implied that negligence played a role in this unfortunate incident.
"A high-level provincial Health commission is conducting an investigation to identify and address any medical errors and oversights, ensuring that impunity has no place within the National Health System," stated the health authority.
Investigation into Hospitalization Decisions
The statement revealed that the infant was admitted to the Emergency and Medical Services at Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira Pediatric Hospital following standard diagnostic procedures at the José Martí polyclinic. "The failure to insist on hospitalization, despite the clinical symptoms presented, led to the child's return to the facility in a critical condition eight hours later," the statement added.
Clarification on Vaccination Misconceptions
However, the Provincial Health Directorate attempted to dissociate the incident from any vaccination of the infant. They refuted previous public claims made by Yomany Mayeta, based on the family's testimony, suggesting that the child had been vaccinated. "The unfortunate events are unrelated to the country's established preventive childhood vaccination system, renowned globally for its effectiveness; the infant had not recently received any vaccinations," declared the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
Support for the National Immunization Program
In the concluding section of the statement, the health authorities extended their condolences to the parents and family members of the deceased child while defending their vaccination program. "The National Immunization Program, initiated in 1962, has evolved over the years to offer protection against 13 diseases and severe conditions through more than 20 vaccines, including over 10 produced nationally," they affirmed.
A Heartbreaking Allegation
Alex Romano, a previously healthy two-month-old, died early Wednesday morning at Santiago de Cuba's North Children's Hospital, known as "La Ondi," after experiencing complications mere hours after allegedly being vaccinated at the José Martí Polyclinic, according to a complaint by Yosmany Mayeta based on the family's account.
The tragedy unfolded in the José Martí District, where the infant lived with his family. The prior allegation, which MINSAP now seeks to dissociate from vaccination, claimed that the baby was taken to the doctor for a routine immunization on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, the visit turned into a nightmare, according to the family.
"The doctor couldn't find the vein, and they pricked his little leg several times. When he got home, he wouldn't stop bleeding," a family source recounted. After receiving the shot, the baby was brought back home. However, the persistent bleeding and inconsolable crying alarmed his caregivers, prompting them to rush him to North Children's Hospital that same afternoon.
Upon examination, the medical staff assured them everything was fine and sent him back home. Sadly, the situation deteriorated as the hours passed. "At 9 pm, they returned to 'La Ondi' because the baby was crying intensely and barely breathing. We were told he went into cardiac arrest and died around midnight," the source shared.
Neighbors, friends, and acquaintances described the infant on social media as a healthy child developing normally. On Wednesday, little Alex's body was mourned in a small white coffin. His closest family members are demanding justice, which the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba vows to deliver.
Key Questions on Infant's Death and Health System Accountability
What actions are the health authorities taking regarding the infant's death?
The Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba is investigating the incident to identify medical errors and ensure accountability, emphasizing that impunity is not tolerated within the National Health System.
Is there any evidence linking the infant's death to recent vaccinations?
According to the health authorities, the infant had not received any recent vaccinations, and the events are unrelated to the country's preventive childhood vaccination system.