Cuban Scientist Criticizes Bureaucratic Failure Over Property Documentation

Cuban scientist Raúl González Hernández, known for developing the anti-anemia drug Trofin, has publicly criticized the bureaucratic hurdles he has faced for over four and a half years in his attempt to secure the documentation for his late wife's home in his name. Despite making 24 trips to government offices in La Lisa, Havana, he remains without a resolution.

"This entire ordeal is because I lack money," the 81-year-old researcher expressed on his Facebook page on October 8th, under the title "An Example of Bureaucracy, Inefficiency, and Mockery of the People."

Years of Bureaucratic Delays and Frustrations

González Hernández reported that on March 22, 2022, he submitted all required documents to the Municipal Housing Directorate in La Lisa to facilitate the property transfer. The file was then moved to Physical Planning, which later became part of the Territorial and Urban Planning system.

Since then, the process has stalled.

The scientist described a long series of visits, explanations, and broken promises extending over four years. He visited the responsible offices 24 times, encountering various excuses for the delays, including the need for a housing measurement that took place on May 15, 2024.

On February 17, 2025, an employee informed him that the documentation was being prepared and assured him there was no need to return, as he would be notified when it was ready.

However, he never received any such notification.

Continued Struggles and Unmet Promises

Faced with silence, González Hernández returned on October 6, 2026. Although the office was not operating normally, he managed to speak with the deputy director, who advised him to return on October 8, hoping the file might have reached the legal department.

Yet another attempt proved futile.

According to his account, the legal specialist was occupied with a municipal event and unavailable. He later encountered the technician handling his file, who informed him she wasn't working that day and that the office was without power. The only advice given was to return the following Monday.

"This is how the people are treated—with disdain, lack of seriousness, and unprofessionalism," he lamented.

González Hernández also expressed his belief that with more financial resources, he could have resolved this issue long ago. This remains his personal opinion and does not imply documented instances of illegal charges or bribery.

From Scientist to Retiree Highlighting State Neglect

This grievance adds to a series of public complaints by González Hernández and his family regarding the challenges faced after dedicating decades to Cuban science.

González Hernández was a founding figure at the Antianemic Laboratory of the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen), where he significantly contributed to the research and development of Trofin.

In December 2024, his daughter, Elizabeth González Aznar, revealed that her father struggled to obtain the very medication he helped create, essential for treating family members' anemia.

By June 2025, reports emerged that the scientist was selling coffee to supplement his income.

Recently, the researcher strongly criticized the Cuban regime's leadership, calling for political and social change.

"Understand that your time has run out; do not prolong the people's suffering," he wrote.

His daughter also addressed Miguel Díaz-Canel, highlighting the plight of Cuban retirees using her father's situation as an example. She noted he receives a monthly pension of 4,500 pesos.

Ongoing Bureaucratic Challenges in Cuba

The ordeal of the Trofin creator is not isolated, as many Cubans face similar challenges obtaining or updating property documents.

Back in May 2022, CiberCuba reported on a woman from Cerro, Havana, who had been waiting three years for a housing process that was initially supposed to take only 90 days.

For now, the scientist continues waiting for his property's title, more than four years after initiating the paperwork.