A devastating accident on Thursday at the notorious Téneme curve on the Mayarí–Moa highway in Holguín province has once again highlighted the precarious situation Cubans face during medical emergencies. The crash involved a private vehicle carrying seven people, resulting in multiple injuries, including two children.
Among those injured is Doreykis Pineda Patiño, who underwent surgery at Moa Hospital and remains in intensive care. Her condition is further complicated by a congenital thrombopathy, requiring urgent administration of tranexamic acid in ampoule form—a medication reportedly unavailable at the hospital.
"Please, if anyone can help, it must be in ampoule form. She is in intensive care," pleaded her mother, Bertha María Patiño Aguilera, on social media. Her son and Doreykis' brother also expressed willingness to pay "whatever it takes" to secure the drug.
This situation underscores a harsh reality: while the Cuban government claims that the healthcare system is equipped to meet public needs, patients and their families often resort to social media pleas for essential medications, even in critical cases.
The accident also severely injured others, including Annia Inojosa Leyva from Moa, who sustained a pelvic fracture and head trauma; a 10-year-old girl from Bayamo, Fela Elisa Martínez Romero; and 16-year-old Nanda Lorena Fonseca Martínez from Moa.
Although municipal authorities have visited the hospital and the Ministry of the Interior is investigating the incident, the immediate priority remains obtaining tranexamic acid to potentially save Doreykis' life.
If anyone in Cuba can provide tranexamic acid ampoules, they are urged to contact the family through Facebook posts by her brother, Juan José Pineda Patiño. The hazardous Mayarí–Moa road has witnessed numerous accidents recently, but the combination of dangerous roads, a healthcare system lacking supplies, and reliance on public goodwill turns each tragedy into a desperate race against time and scarcity.
Understanding the Medical Crisis in Cuba
What caused the accident in Mayarí?
The accident occurred on the risky Téneme curve on the Mayarí–Moa highway, involving a private vehicle with seven passengers.
Why is tranexamic acid crucial for Doreykis Pineda Patiño?
Doreykis Pineda Patiño suffers from a congenital thrombopathy, which requires tranexamic acid to prevent excessive bleeding, a medication not available at the hospital.
How can people assist the family in obtaining the medication?
Individuals with access to tranexamic acid ampoules in Cuba are encouraged to reach out to the family via Facebook posts by Juan José Pineda Patiño.