The tragic deaths of two Cuban doctors working in Venezuela have stirred deep sorrow among their families, colleagues, and friends. One of the families is now facing a significant challenge in bringing their loved one back to the island for a final farewell.
Roberto Mengana Arias, one of the deceased, lost his life in a car accident on Venezuelan soil. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by his brother, Ray Dany Molina Arias, who took to Facebook to seek financial assistance for the repatriation of Roberto's body.
As Ray Dany explained, both Venezuelan authorities and funeral services are demanding $10,000 to transport the body back to Cuba, a sum that the family simply cannot afford.
"We've just been informed that to bring his body here to be mourned and buried in his homeland, they are charging us 10,000 USD in Venezuela, which is money we don't have," the brother wrote.
The family is enduring an especially painful situation. Roberto's mother, who suffers from thyroid cancer, has been unable to receive proper medical treatment due to Cuba's shortage of medications and medical supplies. The family is eager for her to have the chance to bid her son a final goodbye.
"I need to highlight this situation to see if I can gather the funds needed to bring him back and give him his last farewell," the relative continued, urging people to share the post to raise awareness.
In Venezuela, Roberto Mengana Arias left behind a wife and three children, his brother noted in the same message.
This loss adds to another recent passing of a Cuban doctor on mission in Venezuela. The Pedro Borrás Astorga Polyclinic announced the death of their colleague, Yoswel Díaz Camaliche.
The medical institution conveyed their condolences to Yoswel's family and friends, praising him as "a man of integrity whose values and responsibility earned him great respect among his peers."
Cuban medical missions abroad have long been a significant income source for the Cuban government, yet they have also sparked controversy due to the working conditions these professionals face and the hardships their families endure during emergencies or tragedies overseas.
Meanwhile, Roberto Mengana Arias's family continues their efforts to gather the necessary funds to bring his body home to Cuba for burial in his homeland.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Doctors in Venezuela
What challenges do Cuban families face when a loved one dies abroad?
Cuban families often face financial challenges in repatriating the bodies of deceased loved ones due to high costs of transportation and funeral services abroad.
Why are Cuban medical missions controversial?
Cuban medical missions are controversial due to reports of poor working conditions for doctors and the economic and emotional toll on their families when emergencies occur abroad.