The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has released a statement on social media following accusations of neglect and inadequate medical care in the case of 20-year-old José Jardiel Mejías. The young man, a resident of Mayarí in Holguín province, is suffering from advanced facial osteosarcoma.
The allegations, initially brought to light on Facebook by activist Adry Díaz, claimed a "complete abandonment of cancer patients" in the area. Díaz highlighted that the young man, who was a Greco-Roman wrestling athlete at the provincial ESPA, is in critical condition without proper medical attention.
In response to the growing concern, the Mayarí Municipal Health Directorate issued a statement confirming that Mejías is receiving medical attention and follow-up care from the 26 de Julio University Polyclinic and Family Doctor's Office No. 14. "The medical file has been compiled with the proper certificates for the treatment prescribed by the oncology specialist, which includes Carbamazepine, Tramadol, and other medications to improve his quality of life," the statement details.
The statement also noted that Dr. Sonia M. Rodríguez Hechavarría recently provided a prescription for Cosedal (60 tablets), available in the pharmacy, and personally assisted the patient's family member in obtaining the medication. The statement ends by reiterating their "commitment to the health of the population."
Despite the official response, which was shared under the regime's hashtags #CubaForLife and #HolguinHonor, the statement fails to provide specific information about the young man's current condition or the continuation of specialized cancer treatment.
According to Díaz, "Jadiel González Mejías, a young man of 20, is perishing without care, completely abandoned and still threatened by State Security and INDER." She added, "Just days ago, his father died from liver cirrhosis; his mother and sister also passed away from cancer. The young man lives with his grandfather, who suffers from Parkinson's, in inhumane conditions."
The activist's post quickly went viral, sparking outrage and criticism of the Cuban healthcare system, particularly regarding the lack of medications and cancer treatment in the eastern provinces.
Díaz, who resides in the United States but was born in Mayarí, has previously compelled the regime to address patient care issues. A few months ago, a video exposing the conditions at the local psychiatric hospital went viral, prompting the Cuban regime to release a video featuring the same patients who had spoken out.
Social media users have pointed out that families of cancer patients often have to source medications independently, frequently resorting to the black market or relying on donations from abroad due to the scarcity of drugs in public pharmacies and hospitals. "There are no pain relievers or sedatives. The families of the sick are left on their own. The government focuses on propaganda while people suffer," they emphasize.
Key Concerns About Cancer Care in Cuba
What are the allegations against MINSAP regarding José Jardiel Mejías?
MINSAP has been accused of neglecting José Jardiel Mejías, a young man with advanced osteosarcoma, and failing to provide adequate medical care.
How has the Cuban government responded to these allegations?
The Cuban government, through the Mayarí Municipal Health Directorate, issued a statement claiming that Mejías is receiving medical attention and follow-up care, though critics argue this lacks transparency and detail.
What challenges do families of cancer patients face in Cuba?
Families often struggle to find necessary medications, resorting to the black market or external donations due to drug shortages in public healthcare facilities.
Who is Adry Díaz and what role has she played in this case?
Adry Díaz is an activist based in the United States who brought attention to the neglect experienced by José Jardiel Mejías, urging the Cuban government to address these serious healthcare deficiencies.