Child's Tragic Death in Cuba Sparks Outcry Over Alleged Medical Negligence

An 11-year-old boy, Luis Fabián Rojas Rodríguez, tragically passed away on October 7, 2024, after enduring a series of medical mishaps at the Centro Habana Pediatric Hospital. This heartbreaking case, recently spotlighted by CubaNet through the emotional accounts of his family, has ignited widespread outrage and starkly highlights the systemic failures within Cuba's healthcare system. The boy's family is fervently seeking justice, publicly condemning the events, and demanding accountability for what they believe is an unforgivable instance of medical negligence.

Initial Misdiagnosis and Mistakes

The ordeal began on August 20, 2024, when Fabián was taken to a doctor due to severe abdominal pain. Despite symptoms indicative of appendicitis, inexperienced doctors sent him home with a simple dietary recommendation, diagnosing a supposed viral infection related to the Oropouche virus. No tests or diagnostic procedures were conducted. This oversight proved catastrophic. Within 48 hours, Fabián was unable to eat or drink, and his pain worsened significantly.

On August 22, his parents urgently took him back to the Pediatric Hospital, where it was finally discovered that he had a perforated appendix. Despite this correct diagnosis, his suffering did not end. Although admitted at 8:00 a.m., he was not operated on until twelve hours later.

A False Recovery and Deterioration

Fabián seemed to improve post-surgery. He was able to walk, eat, and respond normally; however, fevers soon set in. According to his mother, Mailyn Rodríguez Hechavarría, doctors downplayed his condition. He was moved from intensive care to a regular ward without any postoperative tests or cultures to detect potential infections. The only medical advice given was to record Fabián's temperatures and report them to the nurse. Meanwhile, his condition deteriorated.

The family suspected the antibiotics were ineffective, raising concerns over whether he was even receiving the correct medication. "They would come with a syringe full of water instead of antibiotics. That is the only reason Fabián couldn't overcome the infection," stated Melissa Rojas, his sister, to CubaNet.

Fatal Complications and Surgical Errors

On September 2, 11 days after the first surgery, doctors decided to operate on Fabián again. This delay proved fatal. He was already suffering from widespread sepsis. During this second operation, they drained fluid from his abdomen and discovered internal bruising, likely from the initial surgery. From there, his health rapidly declined, with complications including hypoglycemia, pneumothorax, kidney failure, and multiple respiratory arrests.

Tragically, during intubation, his esophagus was punctured. Later, when inserting a nasogastric tube, a lung was perforated. He remained on a ventilator for thirteen days without receiving a tracheotomy, leading to severe malnutrition. According to his mother's account to CubaNet, they weren't informed prior to invasive procedures. Fabián was technically deceased two days before his official death, but the parents were only informed afterward.

Family's Plea and Institutional Silence

The family filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Public Health. A meeting was arranged with a medical commission, led by Dr. Katherine Chivás Pérez. However, only two doctors attended, including Dr. Milagros, who attempted to justify the events based on the medical records, which patients cannot access. Dr. Milagros acknowledged some "accidents" during procedures but denied negligence, citing a "lack of communication" with the family instead.

For Fabián's parents, this explanation was unacceptable. They documented their disagreement and announced plans to present the case to the Medical-Penal Commission. To date, they have received no response. "There was no interest in saving my son's life," the father lamented. "There must be consequences, a reparation for us, the family. For the life of our lost child," Fabián's sister concluded.