The family of Yailen Izada Velázquez, a 32-year-old mother who suffered severe injuries in a traffic accident in Las Tunas, is urgently appealing for her transfer to Havana. There, she could undergo a crucial surgery that may save her life and prevent irreversible damage. On social media, her sister Yener Baez shared that the accident took place on Sunday, January 26, when the motorcycle she was riding was struck, resulting in numerous fractures, including her skull, pelvis, hip, clavicle, nasal septum, femur, and wrist.
Velázquez was rushed to the Ernesto Guevara Provincial Hospital in Las Tunas immediately after the accident. Doctors determined that she needed an urgent hip surgery, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Unfortunately, the procedure has not been performed because there is no C-arm available in the entire eastern region or nationwide, which is essential for such a surgery.
On Monday, January 27, further examination revealed a skull fracture, necessitating her transfer to the neurology ward for evaluation by orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists. However, Baez criticized the hospital for not even conducting a CT scan to assess her head injury, despite the severity of her condition.
Nearly a week after the accident, the family has repeatedly approached both the hospital administration and the municipal health authorities, overseen by Carlos and Dr. Nela, who promised to facilitate her transfer to the Frank País Orthopedic Hospital in Havana. Yet, no action has been taken, and Velázquez's condition continues to deteriorate, according to Baez.
The young mother has two small children waiting for her at home, and her health is increasingly precarious with each passing day that she does not receive the necessary surgery. Baez also claimed that the attending orthopedic doctors, identified as Dr. Dayán and Dr. José, discharged her on Wednesday, disregarding her life-threatening injuries and the risk of permanent immobility without timely treatment.
"They don't suffer because it's not their sister, daughter, or family member. They don't care that two young children might lose their mother," Baez expressed on Facebook, seeking help to bring attention to the case. She added that they have secured a vehicle to transport her to Havana, but the Health Directorate and the hospital are delaying approval, leaving them trapped in bureaucratic limbo, endangering her life.
Frustrated by the health authorities' inaction, Baez urged social media users to demand her immediate transfer to prevent a tragic outcome. "Every day that passes is one less day of hope for her and her children. We don't want her to be left unable to walk or, worse, for our nephews to mourn their mother's absence," she wrote.
The dire state of Cuban hospitals, marked by shortages of supplies and medications, coupled with bureaucratic hurdles, consistently endangers patient health. Recently, in January, a pregnant woman nearly lost her life in Matanzas due to a malfunctioning elevator at the José Ramón López Tabrane Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, Cuba's oldest. Even official media acknowledged the alarming situation, as the patient arrived in critical condition from an obstetric hemorrhage and "nearly died because of a non-operational elevator."
That same month, Cuban mother Camila Leyva Obregón sought justice after her newborn died at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital in Bayamo, Granma. She claimed that her child died 11 days after birth due to what she described as a series of medical negligence and inadequate care from the hospital staff.
Key Issues in Cuban Healthcare and Patient Safety
What are the main reasons for the delay in Yailen Izada Velázquez's surgery?
The surgery has been delayed due to the unavailability of a C-arm, a critical piece of equipment required for her hip surgery, across the eastern region and nationwide in Cuba.
Why is Yailen Izada Velázquez's family demanding her transfer to Havana?
The family is demanding her transfer to Havana because the necessary surgery and medical facilities are available there, which are crucial for her recovery and to prevent permanent disability.
What challenges are Cuban hospitals facing that affect patient care?
Cuban hospitals face challenges such as shortages of medical supplies and equipment, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic delays, all of which significantly impact patient care and safety.