The mother of young Cuban boy, Damir Ortiz Ramírez, along with Cuban activists and doctors, have raised concerns over the bureaucratic hurdles preventing his air ambulance transfer to the United States. Damir urgently requires treatment for his severe health condition, which includes neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia.
In a live stream by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia and Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, president of the Free Cuban Medical Guild, it was revealed that Damir's journey to South Florida hinges on the doctors at the hospital providing information via phone to the ambulance system. Despite multiple attempts to reach the doctors, calls initially went unanswered. Salcedo confirmed that even when informed that the phone would ring, specialists at the Institute of Hematology did not respond. The doctors informed Eliannis Ramírez, Damir’s mother, that they needed clearance from State Security before they could answer.
Finally, after midday, the call was successfully made, as Salcedo announced on Facebook. "There's no need for an opinion on whether he is fit to travel," declared Salcedo and Ruano during the broadcast. Ruano further addressed the State Security officer managing the Institute, stating, "None of you will prevent Damir's transfer." He emphasized the dangers of delaying Damir's medical transfer to the U.S.
It was also reported that at 1:00 pm, the medical air ambulance official would call again to obtain the required information, urging the doctor on duty to answer the phone. Eliannis Ramírez warned of serious repercussions if the necessary information wasn't provided, as her son's life hangs in the balance. "Enough of this incompetence," she expressed, having just received parole for her son's treatment abroad.
In just 24 hours, funds were raised to cover the cost of an air ambulance to transport Damir to the United States for life-saving medical treatment. The Cuban community's solidarity resulted in $45,848, exceeding the $41,800 needed for the service, which meets the necessary conditions for Damir's travel.
The only outstanding requirement is the medical data from Cuban doctors, which must be submitted by Monday to finalize the contract with the medical system providing the ambulance. This process should allow Damir to be transferred to a Miami, Florida hospital by Tuesday, where he is set to receive his critical treatment.
Previously, the family faced bureaucratic challenges due to the Cuban Ministry of Public Health's (MINSAP) refusal to supply the necessary documentation for a humanitarian visa. However, after the U.S. Embassy received the required documents, they granted the visa, allowing Damir to travel for urgent medical care.
Bureaucratic Challenges in Cuban Medical Transfers
What medical conditions does Damir suffer from?
Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia.
Why is Damir's transfer to the United States delayed?
His transfer is delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles, including the need for doctors to provide information to the ambulance system and clearance from Cuban State Security.
How was the air ambulance for Damir funded?
The Cuban community raised $45,848, exceeding the $41,800 required, to fund the air ambulance for Damir's transfer to the United States.