A young mother from Camagüey has publicly spoken out about the medical negligence that, she claims, led to the death of her newborn daughter and left her own life hanging by a thread due to untreated complications during her pregnancy. This distressing account was shared by Lianet Barranco, a first-time mother, with independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.
In April 2025, Barranco checked into the provincial maternity hospital, hoping for the specialized care needed to safely deliver her baby. Instead, she began experiencing alarming symptoms—swelling, pain, and general discomfort—without receiving proper tests or timely monitoring. "They didn't act in time," she told Tan Estrada.
By the time a diagnosis was made, it was too late: severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy had set in. According to Barranco, no one clearly explained her condition, and critical warnings about her placenta, which had prematurely reached grade three, were overlooked.
The consequences were tragic: her daughter died, and Barranco herself was at risk of losing her life. "I lost my baby with no one held accountable. My family witnessed the neglect, the ignored warning signs, and the precious time wasted," she explained to the journalist. Barranco insists that her ordeal is not unique, claiming that similar incidents persist in hospitals like the one in Camagüey.
Demand for Change in Cuba's Healthcare System
She calls for these stories to be heard and for changes to be demanded in the Cuban healthcare system: "My baby deserved to live. And I deserved to be cared for." Barranco's testimony has become a rallying cry for justice and for reforms to ensure responsible medical care for Cuban mothers, preventing the recurrence of such tragedies.
Systemic Issues in Cuban Healthcare
The shortage of resources, staff, and equipment within Cuba's healthcare system is dire. Numerous reports of medical negligence highlight a systematic deterioration affecting patients' chances of receiving adequate and timely care.
In July, the death of a two-year-old boy in Camagüey was attributed to a series of alleged medical oversights. The child received initial treatment without a specialist present, and necessary clinical tests were not conducted, resulting in a misdiagnosis and ultimately his death from complications of hemorrhagic dengue.
Understanding Medical Negligence in Cuba
What are the common causes of medical negligence in Cuba?
Medical negligence in Cuba often stems from a lack of resources, insufficient medical staff, and outdated equipment, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate patient care.
How can victims of medical negligence in Cuba seek justice?
Victims can report their cases to independent journalists or human rights organizations to raise awareness and push for accountability and systemic reforms.