Dr. Lucio Enríquez Nodarse, a Cuban medical professional, has taken to social media to highlight the dire medical condition of David, the younger brother of Damir Ortiz. Damir, who passed away in Miami after enduring years of inadequate healthcare in Cuba, symbolizes the ongoing healthcare crisis on the island.
Enríquez has sounded the alarm that four-year-old David Ortiz has been waiting for a surgery to correct his cryptorchidism, a condition where a testicle fails to descend. If untreated, this can lead to serious health issues, including testicular cancer. "What's happening with David, Damir's brother? Has he still not been operated on for his cryptorchidism? Do you realize that this condition can turn malignant if not addressed?" Enríquez, currently in Spain, questioned.
He emphatically stated, "If anything happens, the Cuban regime and its failed healthcare system will once again be at fault! We will hold them accountable indefinitely! They are responsible for ensuring this does not happen to Eliannis Ramírez's only remaining child, because they already took Damir from her!"
International medical guidelines, including those from the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the American Urological Association (AUA), recommend that such an operation be conducted between six and 12 months of age and certainly before 18 months. David, now four, is well beyond this critical period, placing him at significant medical risk.
Mother's Desperation: Neglect and Fear
Reacting to Enríquez's public outcry, Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of both Damir and David, shared her frustration and fear. She lamented that David faces the same neglect and medical negligence that plagued Damir's care in Cuba. "He's had blood tests, been evaluated by dentists and urologists, yet he's still waiting. They claim there's no anesthesiologist available, and there’s a backlog of children since 2023. It’s all just excuses," she stated.
Now residing in Miami, Eliannis fears potential repercussions against David due to her absence. She previously spearheaded a campaign to bring Damir's plight to international attention, successfully transferring him to Miami, albeit too late to save his life. Despite the doctor’s belief that his warnings may prioritize David’s case, Eliannis remains skeptical. She has tried to arrange for the surgery across various Cuban medical institutions without success.
"David experiences pain in his testicle that extends down to his right knee, and the urologist is aware of this. David is all I have left... better not to say more. MINSAP, please care for David," Eliannis pleaded.
If no action is taken, Enríquez has pledged to involve international media. Eliannis has set a deadline, stating she will take further steps if there is no appointment for anesthesia consultation by Saturday.
The Damir Case: A Persistent Wound
Damir's name has become synonymous with the collapse of the Cuban healthcare system, following his diagnosis with neurofibromatosis type 1 at age two. His journey was marred by negligence and institutional apathy on the island. Damir suffered from severe complications exacerbated by a resistant bacterial infection. Miami doctors determined that his death was not due to his underlying condition but rather the severe infection and lack of antibiotics.
His mother insists that he was the victim of misdiagnoses, undue delays, and a lack of basic medical resources in Cuba, forcing his family to seek treatment abroad. Despite being transferred to Miami in critical condition on March 12, Damir succumbed weeks later at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
David's situation threatens to unfold as another tragic example of systemic medical negligence. As fear of retaliation mingles with desperation to prevent further loss, Lucio Enríquez Nodarse and other activists remain committed to exposing the situation if the Cuban healthcare system fails to respond.
"If it were Mariela Castro's child, he would have already been operated on," the doctor remarked pointedly.
Understanding the Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
What condition is David Ortiz suffering from?
David Ortiz is dealing with cryptorchidism, a condition where a testicle has not descended, which can lead to serious health issues if not treated.
Why is the situation of David Ortiz considered critical?
David's case is critical because the surgery for cryptorchidism should ideally occur between 6-12 months of age, and he is already four years old, significantly increasing health risks.
What actions have been taken to address David's medical needs?
David's mother, along with Dr. Lucio Enríquez Nodarse, is actively seeking attention for his condition, but has faced delays and excuses within the Cuban healthcare system.