The Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Havana has recently addressed the situation of young Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez. On Wednesday, February 12, the hospital provided the child's mother with the medical documentation she requested to seek treatment abroad.
The hospital declared that the National Health System has never posed an obstacle for patients to receive medical attention in foreign institutions, following family requests. They highlighted that recent social media posts aim to distort the reality of the care the child has received.
According to the hospital, they provided "an updated summary of the medical history," as requested by the mother, documenting the child's condition and the treatments he received in Cuban medical facilities. This move seemed to respond to mounting public pressure after the mother claimed that the lack of specific documents from the hospital led the U.S. Embassy in Havana to deny Geobel a visa last week.
The Havana pediatric hospital elaborated on the care provided to the 10-year-old boy, originally from Bayamo in Granma province, now living in Havana's San Miguel del Padrón. They stated that a multidisciplinary team has been utilizing all available resources within the National Health System since his admission.
This care included high-tech diagnostic tools available in Cuba, confirming his condition and enabling appropriate treatment, including the use of Selumetinib (Koselugo). This medication, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric patients, can reduce the size of plexiform neurofibromas in NF1 patients, improving life quality by alleviating symptoms like pain and motor dysfunction.
"We empathize with a mother's anguish over her child's severe illness. Besides the technical means provided, our healthcare professionals have dedicated themselves fully to his care, prioritizing his case with utmost sensitivity," the hospital concluded.
Recently, the child's mother clarified on social media that they received a "summary of medical history" instead of the letter required by the U.S. Embassy, which mandates the Ministry of Public Health to admit the country's incapacity to treat the child's condition.
Activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia highlighted that the provided document does not align with the Embassy's requirements. It should not exceed two pages and must include a statement acknowledging the lack of resources to treat the child, whereas they received an 11-page clinical summary that merely authorized travel.
Salcedo Verdecia emphasized this is not a "whim" but a necessity due to the Embassy's stipulations. She questioned why, in this instance, the requirements were not met, given that they were correctly fulfilled for other children seeking humanitarian visas. Meanwhile, the child's health continues to deteriorate.
A GoFundMe campaign for Damir has already raised $26,185.
"I Need to Leave This Country"
Recently, Damir himself appealed for help. "Please share this video because I need to get better, I need surgery for my eyes and legs. Share and believe so I can leave this country and receive treatment at another hospital that has accepted me," pleaded the young boy in a video posted on Facebook by his mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
Initially, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) refused to issue the required document, asserting that Cuba possesses the resources necessary for the child's treatment.
FAQs on Cuban Child Damir's Medical Case
Why did the U.S. Embassy deny the visa for Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez?
The Embassy denied the visa because the required documentation from the Cuban health authorities was not provided. The Ministry of Public Health needed to acknowledge that the country lacks the resources to treat his condition.
What treatment has Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez received in Cuba?
In Cuba, Geobel has been treated by a multidisciplinary team with access to high-tech diagnostic tools. His treatment included the medication Selumetinib, approved by the FDA for reducing neurofibromas in NF1 patients.
What is the status of the fundraising campaign for Damir?
The fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has successfully raised $26,185 to support Damir's medical treatment abroad.