The plight of a five-year-old Cuban boy, who has been in a coma for nearly two months after a car accident on the Havana–Pinar del Río highway, has been brought to light by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia on social media. She highlighted the dire circumstances of the family, where the boy's mother and his two siblings survived the crash but remain hospitalized. Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of the woman's parents and grandmother.
The child in a coma suffered a severe injury, losing the frontal bone of his skull and developing a cerebral clot. He is currently in the intensive care unit, and doctors have prescribed baclofen, a critical medication for his neurological recovery. However, this drug is currently unavailable in Cuba.
Residing in the community of La Salud in Mayabeque province, the family has embarked on an urgent quest to obtain the medication through donations or compassionate purchases. Those who can help are encouraged to contact the boy's mother at +53 5 3967628.
Medication Shortages and Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
The scarcity of medications across the island has been officially acknowledged. In July, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, confessed to the National Assembly of People's Power that the Cuban healthcare system is in a structural crisis, operating with only 30% of the essential medicines available.
Portal Miranda admitted that hospitals are grappling with "chronic deficits of medical supplies, organizational failures, a professional exodus, and illegal service sales," alongside a worrying rise in maternal and infant mortality rates. “These issues will not be resolved immediately,” the minister stated, suggesting that any potential improvements are contingent on securing external funding. This implies that public health in Cuba is no longer an assured right but a service dependent on foreign currency availability.
As millions of Cubans struggle with the lack of basic medicines, the Cuban government continues to prioritize the tourism sector as the driving force of the national economy.
FAQs on Cuba's Healthcare Challenges
What is the current state of Cuba's healthcare system?
Cuba's healthcare system is facing a structural crisis, with only 30% of essential medicines available, and challenges such as chronic supply deficits, organizational issues, and a professional exodus.
Why is baclofen important for the child's recovery?
Baclofen is crucial for the child's neurological recovery following severe brain injuries. It is essential for managing muscle spasticity and aiding in the recovery process.
How is the Cuban government prioritizing its resources?
The Cuban government is currently prioritizing the tourism sector as a key economic driver, even as the healthcare system faces significant challenges.