Hilda Molina

Hilda Molina

Hilda Molina (born Hilda Molina y Morejon on 1942 in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba) is a prominent Cuban neurosurgeon and dissident, known for her outspoken criticism of the Cuban healthcare system and the government's restrictions on emigration. Molina, who was once a loyal supporter of the Cuban Revolution and a member of the Communist Party of Cuba, became disillusioned with the system in the 1990s, particularly criticizing the government's policy of using healthcare as a diplomatic tool and source of revenue at the expense of the Cuban population's well-being.

Early Life and Education

Hilda Molina was born into a modest family in Ciego de Ávila. She pursued a career in medicine, a field in which she excelled, eventually specializing in neurosurgery. Molina's skills and dedication quickly propelled her to the forefront of her field in Cuba, and she became a leading figure in the development of Cuban neurosurgery.

Career

In the 1980s, Molina founded the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN) in Havana, which became renowned for its advanced treatments and research in neurology and neurosurgery. Under her leadership, CIREN attracted patients from around the world, including high-profile individuals, and was a source of significant revenue for Cuba.

Dissent and Defection

Despite her success, Molina grew increasingly critical of the Cuban government's policies, particularly the exploitation of the healthcare sector for political and economic gain. In 1994, she resigned from her positions in protest and was subsequently barred from practicing medicine. Her criticism of the government led to her being ostracized and placed under surveillance.

Molina's situation gained international attention, especially her desire to emigrate to Argentina to be reunited with her son and grandchildren, who had moved there. The Cuban government's refusal to allow her to leave the country for over a decade became a cause célèbre, highlighting the issue of freedom of movement in Cuba.

Later Life

After years of international pressure, the Cuban government finally allowed Molina to leave Cuba in 2004. She has since lived in Argentina, where she continues to be an outspoken critic of the Cuban regime, advocating for human rights and democratic reforms in her native country.

Legacy

Hilda Molina's story is emblematic of the struggles faced by many Cuban professionals and dissidents. Her courage in speaking out against the government, despite personal and professional risks, has made her a symbol of resistance and an advocate for change in Cuba.