The troubling circumstances faced by Dr. Raúl González Hernández, creator of the anti-anemic medicine TROFIN and a prominent Cuban scientist, were brought to light on social media by his daughter this past Saturday. Elizabeth González Aznar took to Facebook to expose the degrading ordeal her father endures in Cuba. At 79, Dr. González Hernández, who dedicated his life to scientific research, finds himself "begging" for the medication he developed to treat his daughter’s chronic iron-deficiency anemia.
A Doctor of Science and a principal investigator, Dr. González Hernández spent over 45 years developing a range of anti-anemic products under the TROFIN brand, including syrups and tablets enriched with essential nutrients like vitamin C and folic acid. He was a founding figure and leader of the Anti-Anemics Laboratory at the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen), leaving an invaluable legacy in Cuban public health, according to his daughter.
Yet, despite his contributions, the retired scientist has been largely forgotten by the very institutions he served. Elizabeth González Aznar criticized the lack of priority given to her father for obtaining TROFIN, highlighting a system she describes as devoid of ethics and humanity.
Dr. González Hernández often resorts to reaching out to former colleagues at BioCen to request the medication, but more often than not, these efforts are fruitless. Even during critical moments, such as following a hip surgery that left him anemic, they managed to procure only a single bottle of TROFIN, thanks to the intervention of a neighbor employed at the center.
The situation grew more dire when TROFIN disappeared from state pharmacies and emerged in the black market at exorbitant prices, reaching 500 pesos per bottle. "It's degrading that my father, after so many years of sacrifice, must plead for the product he himself created," Elizabeth expressed with indignation.
The account also highlights the lack of recognition Dr. González Hernández faces as the creator of TROFIN. In the Cuban system, individual intellectual property rights are not acknowledged. "Although our system doesn't recognize an individual as the 'owner' of a product, my father is, and his contribution is internationally recognized," she added.
Elizabeth concluded her denunciation by demanding respect and justice for her father, who dedicated his life to enhancing the health of millions of Cubans: "I won't stay silent anymore. Honor to whom honor is due. Respect and ethics are what I will demand," she stated.
Social media has become a frequent platform for Cubans to report the "abandonment" faced by the elderly under the Cuban regime, especially upon reaching retirement and the end of their working lives. Recently, activist Yamilka Laffita, known online as Lara Crofs, shared the poignant story of a 72-year-old woman who, driven by need and scarcity, knocked on her door in Havana asking for food. "The government's debt to the elderly is insurmountable," the activist concluded with sadness after her conversation with Felicia, whose story she shared on Facebook.
A couple of years ago, two Cuban seniors lamented their dire living conditions: isolated, ill, and without any financial support from the government. Luis Gané Cruz, 82, pleaded through the independent news agency CubaNet for the state to grant at least a minimal pension for himself and his 81-year-old brother Pedro to help cover some expenses.
Insights into Dr. Raúl González Hernández and the TROFIN Dilemma
Who is Dr. Raúl González Hernández?
Dr. Raúl González Hernández is a Cuban veterinarian and biotechnologist, renowned for his significant contributions as a researcher at the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen) in Cuba. His most notable work includes the development of TROFIN, a natural-origin biopreparation with anti-anemic properties.
What is TROFIN?
TROFIN was designed as an alternative treatment for anemia, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate conventional iron salt therapies. Clinical studies showed highly promising results, with an effective recovery of hemoglobin levels in 86% of children with iron-deficiency anemia, in addition to good tolerance among most patients.
What is the state of medication access in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is severe, forcing many citizens to turn to the black market where prices are exorbitant. This crisis affects both the elderly and healthcare professionals, who often have to source basic supplies independently, as frequently reported on social media.
How do social media platforms contribute to exposing the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has become a vital platform for Cubans to highlight the lack of medical supplies, mistreatment in hospitals, and other deficiencies in the healthcare system. Cases like Dr. González's demonstrate how these platforms are used to bring attention to critical issues and advocate for necessary resources and attention.
What effects does the lack of recognition have on Cuban scientists?
In Cuba, the lack of recognition for scientists and their contributions impacts both their access to benefits from their work and their personal dignity. The system's failure to acknowledge individual intellectual property rights leads to situations like that of Dr. González, who, despite his legacy, does not receive the respect or attention he deserves from the institutions he served.