The U.S. Embassy in Havana has refused a humanitarian visa for Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a 10-year-old Cuban boy suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as a suspected leukemia diagnosis. The denial was due to the lack of documentation from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
Activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, highlighted the situation on Facebook, commenting, "The visa was denied to #SoSDaMiR! Missing documentation. Thank you for everything, Ministry of Public Health of Cuba." Fellow activist Diasniurka Salcedo also condemned the Cuban authorities' refusal, stating, "This cries out to God. The child did not present updated documents because the regime did not provide them. Consequently, his visa was denied!"
Family's Effort to Seek Treatment Abroad
Damir's family sought the visa to transport him to the United States for specialized treatment unavailable in Cuba. His mother, Eliannis Ramírez, has repeatedly voiced the inadequacy of resources and treatments in the Cuban healthcare system for addressing her son's condition. With no improvements in his health, the family turned to international options.
A Miami hospital agreed to treat Damir, prompting the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 for medical and travel expenses. To secure a humanitarian visa for his transfer to the U.S., a letter of authorization from MINSAP was required. However, according to the mother and activists, MINSAP refused to issue the document, claiming that Cuba has the necessary resources to treat the boy.
Criticism of MINSAP's Bureaucracy
This situation has drawn criticism towards MINSAP from human rights activists, who argue that the bureaucracy and obstacles imposed by the health authorities hinder patients with severe conditions from accessing treatment abroad.
Key Questions Regarding the Humanitarian Visa Denial
What medical conditions does Damir Ortiz Ramírez suffer from?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and he is also being evaluated for a possible leukemia diagnosis.
Why was Damir's visa application denied by the U.S. Embassy?
The visa was denied due to missing documentation from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), which is required for the issuance of a humanitarian visa.
What has been the response from Cuban activists regarding the denial?
Cuban activists have criticized the decision, blaming the Cuban government's refusal to provide necessary documentation and highlighting the inadequacy of the local healthcare system.