A Cuban mother has publicly expressed her distress over her son being forced into Mandatory Military Service (MMS) despite his chronic health issues. The 16-year-old, who has suffered from high blood pressure since he was 12 and has a cardiac diastolic dysfunction, has been under continuous medical treatment for the past six years.
In a Facebook post that has recently gained traction on social media, the mother shared that her son just completed the "preliminary" phase of military training, which lasted over 20 days. During this period, he spent 15 days hospitalized in military facilities due to health complications.
"What purpose does an ill teenager serve in the military?" the mother questioned. "They are forcing him into a role he is not medically fit for. His life is at stake."
During one of her visits to the unit where her son was undergoing preparation, she reported negligence by military personnel. She claims that there are no trained medical staff available and that at the Purnio Unit where her son is stationed, no physician is present until after 9:45 a.m. Furthermore, she noted some officers dismissed her son's health complaints, accusing him of pretending.
Only after persistent efforts and presenting medical documentation did the officers agree to transfer him to a military hospital, where his blood pressure issues were confirmed. The teenager is now hospitalized once more.
"Yesterday, he complained of a headache. We don't know if it's due to his nearsightedness or his blood pressure. The pediatrician at the clinic measured his pressure at 145/80. It's unacceptable for him to be kept there," she asserted.
The mother insists she had previously informed recruitment authorities about her son's health condition, hoping for an alternative assignment. However, her concerns were overlooked, and his entry into the MMS proceeded.
"I never imagined that my son, with such fragile health, would have to endure this. He's been hospitalized twice in just 15 days," she lamented.
This case adds to the growing discontent with the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, especially after several young individuals died in the Matanzas Supertanker Base fire and the explosion at a military unit in Holguín. Numerous social media campaigns have emerged, condemning the compulsory nature of the MMS and highlighting the risks for unprepared and inadequately supported adolescents.
The mother's post concludes with a powerful message aimed at critics of her public outcry: "They say my post plays into the enemy’s hands. But today, as a mother, my only enemy is whoever endangers my son's life."
Concerns about Cuban Mandatory Military Service
What health conditions does the teenage boy suffer from?
The teenager suffers from high blood pressure and cardiac diastolic dysfunction, conditions he has been managing for six years.
What has been the response of the military authorities to the mother's concerns?
Military authorities were initially dismissive of the son's health issues, only agreeing to hospitalize him after persistent requests and presentation of medical documents.
Why is there growing discontent with the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Discontent is rising due to the compulsory nature of the service and recent tragedies, such as deaths from incidents at the Matanzas Supertanker Base and a military unit in Holguín.