Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a young Cuban boy battling a severe illness, has bravely spoken out against the Ministry of Public Health's refusal to allow him to travel to the United States for much-needed specialized treatment unavailable in Cuba. "Please share this video because I need to get better; I need surgeries for my eyes and legs. I need people to believe and help me leave this country so I can be treated at a hospital that has accepted me," pleaded the 10-year-old in a Facebook video shared by his mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
The regime attempts to use Damir's situation as a showcase of its healthcare system, denying him the chance to seek medical help abroad under the pretext that his condition could deteriorate. On Thursday, Damir and his mother visited the U.S. Embassy in Havana to apply for a humanitarian visa after a Miami hospital agreed to provide his treatment.
Unfortunately, the embassy rejected their visa application, stating they needed an authorization letter from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). However, the ministry refused to issue the document, claiming that Cuba has the necessary resources to treat the child. Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1 and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, along with a potential leukemia diagnosis under investigation.
Government's Stance and Public Response
The case has gained significant attention online, prompting the government to release an editorial asserting that Damir has received specialized medical care and access to advanced technology since his diagnosis. "Due to the complexity of the disease and the sensitivity of the diagnosis, the patient does not meet the criteria for transfer, as it could lead to cardiac arrest and other life-threatening complications," stated MINSAP.
Recent days have been especially distressing for Damir's mother, as he remains in intensive care at Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, suffering from kidney damage and inflammation in both eyes. According to activist Yamilka Laffita (Lara Crofs), medical staff even refused to provide a wheelchair initially. Once his mother secured a wheelchair, a new challenge emerged: arranging an ambulance transfer to the U.S. embassy.
Efforts to Raise Funds and Seek Help
Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, an activist based in the United States, is spearheading a GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 to cover Damir's treatment and travel expenses. So far, the campaign has collected $17,175. Diasniurka emphasized that Damir could receive therapies in Miami that are unavailable in Cuba. Eliannis, Damir's mother, has repeatedly voiced concerns about the scarcity and inadequacies within the Cuban healthcare system.
FAQs on Damir Ortiz's Medical Journey
What are the medical conditions Damir Ortiz is facing?
Damir Ortiz has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye. He is also undergoing tests for a potential leukemia diagnosis.
Why was Damir denied a humanitarian visa to the U.S.?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana rejected Damir's visa application because it required an authorization letter from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, which the ministry refused to provide.
How is the public helping Damir and his family?
An activist in the U.S., Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, is organizing a GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 for Damir's medical treatment and travel costs. The campaign has currently raised $17,175.