Dr. Yonardo Fonseca Mesa, a Cuban surgeon, reported on Thursday that he was abruptly removed from the hospital in Ciego de Ávila where he was employed, just weeks after being granted his "release" from the National Health System.
In a Facebook post, Fonseca detailed that approximately two weeks ago, he was informed of his release, a process which, he was told, would allow him to travel abroad or begin working in a different sector.
However, he pointed out that he has yet to obtain a passport and chose to continue treating patients while preparing to embark on a new career path outside the healthcare system.
"Since I don't have a passport yet and I refuse to work for the meager salary of a surgeon (I haven't been able to withdraw a peso from my card for nearly five months), I decided, like many other doctors in the same situation, to keep doing what I love most: caring for patients and saving lives," he explained.
The situation took a turn on September 10th when, as per his account, he was informed during a consultation that he no longer belonged to the hospital as of the 3rd.
"I was notified that as of the 3rd, by decision of the hospital director, I was no longer a doctor at this institution, in essence, I was expelled a week ago," he lamented.
Fonseca also displayed a document dated September 3, 2026, issued by the Human Resources Department of the Provincial General Teaching Hospital Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola in Ciego de Ávila.
The letter, addressed to Fonseca as a mastology specialist, stated: "By means of this letter and under the director's instruction, I inform you that since you are released, today your work activity in our hospital center is terminated."
The doctor attributed the incident to possible retaliation, alleging a "dark and sinister hand" behind the decision.
"I am well aware of what they are capable of and the dirty tricks they use against those of us who openly oppose them," he asserted.
He also criticized colleagues who, according to him, engage in such actions in exchange for positions within the system.
Before concluding his message, Fonseca offered words of encouragement to his patients: "Strength to continue facing your illness with dignity and courage."
He thanked his friends for "their good advice and unconditional support," while addressing those he considers enemies, saying: "I hope to one day thank you for giving me the push I might have needed to get out of all this."
The surgeon concluded his post with the phrase: "God, Homeland, Life, and Freedom!"
This incident follows months of tension between Fonseca and the hospital authorities. In April, he publicly condemned what he described as humiliating treatment at the hospital after an official ordered him to leave an elevator while en route to operate on two cancer patients.
Subsequently, Fonseca announced that he was being detained, stirring concern among colleagues and supporters.
After his release, he explained that he was taken in for a "conversation" and to sign a warning letter.
The doctor linked these actions to his public criticisms of the hospital's conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Yonardo Fonseca's Dismissal
Why was Dr. Fonseca dismissed from the Cuban hospital?
Dr. Fonseca claims his dismissal was due to possible retaliation, as he was outspoken against the hospital's management and the broader health system. He believes there's a "dark and sinister hand" behind the decision.
What is the significance of Dr. Fonseca's "release" from the health system?
Dr. Fonseca's "release" was supposed to allow him to travel abroad or switch to a different work sector. However, without a passport, he opted to continue treating patients, which eventually led to his dismissal.