A 69-year-old Cuban woman, María Acela Pérez de Corcho Fernández, passed away on Tuesday at the Military Hospital in Camagüey amid claims of medical negligence. Independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported on social media that Pérez was admitted a month ago with persistent fever, severe pain, and breathing difficulties.
Pérez's daughter revealed to Tan that only a couple of preliminary tests were conducted, indicating anemia. Despite receiving blood transfusions and undergoing a test to rule out leukemia—which was negative but indicated a vitamin B12 deficiency—further examinations were not pursued, nor was she referred to a specialist for other potential causes.
Despite her ongoing fever, pain, and an X-ray showing signs of acute bronchopneumonia, doctors informed Pérez's daughter that the symptoms were "nervous" and required no significant medical attention. Pérez was discharged without any follow-up care or treatment plan. However, on June 10, her condition worsened, leading to her being readmitted. Her vital signs were abnormal, and she suffered respiratory arrest, resulting in her death shortly thereafter.
Growing Concerns Over Medical Negligence
Pérez's family is seeking justice, condemning the negligence that led to her untimely death. Hundreds of users online have expressed outrage over the incident, with some sharing their own troubling experiences at the Camagüey military hospital. One individual recounted taking their mother to the facility in December after she soiled herself. Despite tests showing no apparent issues, she died.
"They claimed she had a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. When I received the autopsy results a month later, it indicated she had been experiencing a heart attack for three days. Who do I hold accountable if I can't have her back? They'll justify everything. Who pays for their possible misconduct?" the person shared.
Systemic Issues in Cuban Healthcare
Amid severe shortages of resources, specialized personnel, and equipment, instances of medical negligence in Cuba have come to light. Last month, a mother accused doctors of negligence after her child died at the Santa Clara children's hospital. Despite the child's severe symptoms being incorrectly attributed to a cold, he was suffering from a fatal meningoencephalitis.
Shortly after, reports emerged of a young woman victimized by medical negligence at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Provincial Hospital in Bayamo. A poorly executed dilation and curettage procedure led to a perforation and internal bleeding, resulting in a total hysterectomy, leaving her unable to have children in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Negligence in Cuba
What was the cause of María Acela Pérez de Corcho Fernández's death?
María Acela Pérez de Corcho Fernández died due to complications allegedly resulting from medical negligence at the Military Hospital in Camagüey. Her condition was reportedly mismanaged, leading to respiratory arrest.
How are the authorities addressing medical negligence in Cuba?
There is growing public outcry over medical negligence in Cuba, but systemic issues such as resource shortages and lack of specialized personnel make addressing these problems challenging. Families and patients often find themselves seeking justice independently.
What other cases of medical negligence have been reported in Cuba recently?
Recent reports include a mother accusing a Santa Clara hospital of negligence after her child died from a misdiagnosed condition, and a young woman in Bayamo suffering severe consequences from a botched medical procedure.