Over a month has passed since seven-year-old Cuban boy, Eithan Urbay Rosell, underwent blood extraction for specialized genetic tests in Argentina. Yet, he remains in anticipation for the analyses that might finally diagnose his chromosomal condition.
His mother, Dalma Rosell Marrero, took to Facebook to express her frustration, revealing that as of September 21, Cuba had not yet settled the payment with the Argentine lab responsible for the tests.
"As of September 21, 2026, Cuba has not completed the payment to the INGEN Foundation Laboratory in Argentina," she stated.
Administrative Hurdles Delay Payment
The blood was drawn on August 18 at the provincial genetics center in Havana. Rosell explained that the extraction, anticoagulant mixing, and sample preparation were completed successfully. However, despite the passage of time, the tests have not commenced.
The hold-up is due to administrative procedures. Eithan's file is compiled and with the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), but it lacks necessary documentation for payment processing.
Rosell noted that acquiring the Argentine lab's tax identification number (VAT) is crucial for issuing the invoice to Cuba. The Argentine authorities have already provided the necessary permissions to receive the sample.
Once the invoice is issued, the pending task is the approval and fund release by Cuban authorities. "We are waiting on MINSAP officials to approve the payment," she added.
Four-Year Quest for Answers
This delay is just another chapter in a four-year struggle the family has endured. In August, Rosell publicly shared their ordeal after years of requesting tests that are unavailable in Cuba.
"The state has yet to pay for the tests in Argentina," she lamented, just days after the sample was finally taken.
Eithan suffers from a structural chromosomal alteration involving the short arm of chromosome 3. To date, he has only undergone a conventional karyotype, leaving his diagnosis incomplete.
The pending tests, which include a full exome, copy number variant analysis, and chromosomal microarrays, could provide much-needed clarity on his condition and guide his medical care.
The Pursuit to Reach Argentina
Faced with the prolonged wait, Rosell has simultaneously been seeking a way to travel to Argentina with her son for specialized care. By the end of August, Eithan was accepted for treatment at the Jérôme Lejeune Medical Center in Córdoba, which specializes in genetic disorders.
Rosell began seeking financial support for the trip and a humanitarian visa. "Every door is closing on us," she expressed, feeling the repercussions of her public outcry for her son's treatment.
Despite the new delay in genetic testing, Rosell clarified that her pursuit of a humanitarian visa continues. She is determined to follow both paths, refusing to give up after years of effort.
"I remain in the fight; I won't tire," she concluded.
Understanding Eithan's Genetic Testing Challenges
Why hasn't Cuba paid for Eithan's genetic tests in Argentina?
Cuba has yet to complete the necessary administrative procedures, including obtaining the Argentine lab's tax identification number, which is required to issue the invoice for payment.
What are the pending genetic tests for Eithan?
The pending tests include a full exome, analysis of copy number variants, and chromosomal microarrays, which are essential for accurately diagnosing his chromosomal condition.
What steps is Rosell taking to bring Eithan to Argentina?
Rosell is seeking financial assistance for travel and a humanitarian visa to access specialized care for Eithan at the Jérôme Lejeune Medical Center in Córdoba, Argentina.