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Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos, S.A.SMC Salud
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in CubaHeberprot-P, Wound Care & Limb-Preservation Programs for U.S. Patients

Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 15–25% will develop a foot ulcer. For patients with non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, Cuba offers Heberprot-P — a recombinant growth factor injected directly into wounds to promote healing — combined with comprehensive wound care and a multidisciplinary limb-preservation approach. Not FDA-approved, not available in the U.S.

Diabetic foot ulcer wound care and treatment in Cuba for American patients

Biotechnology Research

Patient Safety First

Multidisciplinary Team

International Standards

Is This Program Right for You?

Who Benefits from Diabetic Foot Treatment in Cuba

Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate. If any of these describe your situation, Cuba's program may offer options worth exploring.

Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Ulcers that have not healed after 4+ weeks of standard wound care — the primary indication for Heberprot-P intralesional growth factor therapy.

Chronic Diabetic Wounds

Wounds stuck in a chronic inflammatory state that haven't responded to advanced dressings, off-loading, or standard debridement.

Infected Diabetic Foot Wounds

Infected ulcers requiring comprehensive infection management — wound cultures, targeted antibiotics, and surgical debridement.

Recurrent Foot Ulcers

Patients who have had multiple ulcers that heal and return — requiring rehabilitation and orthotic fitting to prevent recurrence.

Diabetic Neuropathy & Foot Complications

Patients with neuropathy, poor circulation, and structural foot deformities that increase ulcer risk and impair healing.

Patients at Risk of Amputation

Patients facing possible amputation who want to explore limb-preservation options before considering surgery.

Second-Opinion Patients

Patients seeking an independent assessment of their wound, treatment history, and options before committing to a treatment path.

Multidisciplinary Wound-Care Seekers

Patients who want a coordinated team — diabetologist, wound specialist, vascular surgeon, podiatrist, and rehabilitation — in one program.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Options

Comprehensive Wound-Care & Limb-Preservation Approach

Cuba's diabetic foot program combines biotechnology research with comprehensive wound care, infection management, vascular assessment, and rehabilitation — a multidisciplinary approach that addresses all factors impairing wound healing simultaneously.

Heberprot-P Intralesional Therapy

Cuba's CIGB-developed recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rEGF), injected directly into the wound bed to stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Not FDA-approved, not available in the U.S.

Comprehensive Wound Care

Surgical debridement, specialized dressings, off-loading (total contact casting), and moisture-balanced wound management delivered daily by a wound-care specialist.

Infection Management

Wound cultures, targeted antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement of infected tissue, and local antiseptics — coordinated by an infectious disease specialist.

Vascular Assessment

Doppler ultrasound, angiography when indicated, and referral for revascularization if blood flow is inadequate for wound healing.

Diabetic Foot Rehabilitation

Gait training, orthotic fitting, physical therapy, and foot-care education to restore mobility and prevent ulcer recurrence after healing.

Second Opinion Evaluation

Independent review of wound status, treatment history, and imaging by Cuba's multidisciplinary wound-care team — a fresh perspective on your treatment options.

No treatment cures diabetes or guarantees wound healing or amputation prevention in all cases. Cuba's program aims to promote wound healing in chronic ulcers through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Heberprot-P is investigational and not FDA-approved. Treatment suitability is determined after individual medical evaluation. Individual outcomes vary.

Heberprot-P Intralesional Therapy

Cuba's Pioneering Growth Factor for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Heberprot-P contains recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rEGF), developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). It is injected directly into the wound bed of diabetic foot ulcers to stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis — the processes impaired in chronic diabetic wounds.

  • Intralesional injection directly into the wound bed — 3 times per week
  • Stimulates cell growth, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation
  • Designed for chronic ulcers that haven't responded to standard care (4+ weeks)
  • Most effective for Wagner grade 1–3 ulcers
  • Combined with debridement, off-loading, and infection management
  • Registered in ~20 countries; not FDA-approved, not available in the U.S.
Learn About Heberprot-P Treatment

3×/week

Heberprot-P intralesional injections

U.S. wound clinic visitsWeekly
Cuba treatment frequencyDaily (5 days/week)
Program duration2–4 weeks
Growth factor availabilityCuba only

Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer

When Standard Care Isn't Enough

A diabetic foot ulcer that has not healed after 4+ weeks of standard wound care is classified as chronic and non-healing. In the U.S., options are limited — advanced dressings, negative pressure therapy, or hyperbaric oxygen (which may not be covered by insurance). Heberprot-P is specifically designed for these chronic wounds.

Learn About Non-Healing Ulcer Treatment

Limb-Preservation Program

A Healing-First Philosophy

Cuba's program is built on a different philosophy: healing first, amputation as last resort. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate — combining aggressive wound care, infection management, vascular assessment, and Heberprot-P to promote healing before considering surgery.

Learn About Limb Preservation

Diabetic Foot Wound Care Comparison

Cuba's Wound-Care Model vs. U.S. Standard Diabetic Foot Care

The most significant difference is the availability of Heberprot-P and the intensity and coordination of care. Understanding this difference helps American patients make informed decisions.

AspectU.S. Standard CareCuba's Wound-Care Model
Growth Factor TherapyNot available (Heberprot-P is not FDA-approved)Heberprot-P intralesional injections, 3×/week
Treatment FrequencyWeekly wound clinic visits (insurance-limited)Daily treatment, 5 days per week
Team CoordinationSeparate specialists, separate appointmentsSingle multidisciplinary team, coordinated daily
Program DurationOngoing, indefinite — weeks to monthsIntensive 2–4 week concentrated program
Off-LoadingVariable — often patient-managedTotal contact casting, professionally managed
RehabilitationLimited or separate from wound careIntegrated gait training, orthotics, and education
Amputation FocusAmputation often presented as next stepHealing-first philosophy; amputation as last resort

International Diabetic Foot Treatment Program

From U.S. Home to Havana and Back

SMC Salud coordinates every step — from medical record review to travel authorization, intensive wound care, rehabilitation, and telemedicine follow-up after you return home.

01

Submit Medical Records

Send wound photos, ulcer measurements, vascular studies, blood work, and medication list. The wound-care team reviews and responds within 5–10 business days with a treatment proposal.

02

Travel to Havana

Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. SMC Salud provides travel authorization documentation and airport reception in Havana.

03

Intensive Wound-Care Program

2–4 weeks of daily treatment — Heberprot-P injections, debridement, infection management, off-loading, and rehabilitation — all coordinated by a single multidisciplinary team.

04

Return Home with a Plan

Comprehensive medical report for your U.S. podiatrist, personalized foot-care plan, orthotic recommendations, and ongoing telemedicine follow-up with the Cuban team.

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Estimate Your Diabetic Foot Treatment Timeline in Cuba

Answer three quick questions to see a personalized timeline covering the medical review, travel coordination, intensive wound care, and telemedicine follow-up phases — so you know what to expect at every step.

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What best describes your diabetic foot condition?

Meet the Wound-Care Team

The Specialists Behind Cuba's Diabetic Foot Program

Cuba's diabetic foot limb-preservation program is led by a multidisciplinary team of wound-care specialists, vascular surgeons, and endocrinologists with extensive experience in chronic diabetic wound management.

RL

Dr. Roberto López

Lead Wound-Care & Limb Preservation Specialist

Diabetic Foot Surgery · Wound Management
22+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

  • Specialist in Diabetic Foot Surgery, University of Havana
  • Lead clinician, National Diabetic Foot Care Program
  • Member, Cuban Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery

Clinical Focus

Chronic ulcer managementHeberprot-P therapy protocolsLimb preservation

1,500+

International patients treated

22

Years in diabetic wound care

MP

Dr. Marta Pérez

Vascular Surgeon

Vascular Surgery · Peripheral Artery Disease
18+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

  • Specialist in Vascular Surgery, University of Havana
  • Senior surgeon, National Institute of Angiology
  • Expert in lower-limb revascularization assessment

Clinical Focus

Vascular assessmentPeripheral artery diseaseRevascularization coordination

2,400+

Vascular evaluations performed

25+

Peer-reviewed publications

FH

Dr. Fernando Hernández

Endocrinologist — Diabetic Foot Specialist

Endocrinology · Diabetes Management
20+ yearsof clinical experience

Credentials

  • Specialist in Endocrinology, University of Havana
  • Coordinator, Diabetes Control & Wound Healing Unit
  • Member, Cuban Society of Endocrinology

Clinical Focus

Blood sugar optimizationDiabetes complicationsNutritional wound support

2,800+

Diabetes patients managed

20

Years in endocrinology

The full multidisciplinary team also includes podiatrists, infectious disease specialists, orthotists, and rehabilitation therapists. Individual team composition is assigned based on each patient's clinical needs after medical evaluation. Specialist availability is subject to the program schedule.

Travel, Cost & Payment for U.S. Patients

What American Patients Need to Know

Travel Authorization

  • • U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories
  • • SMC Salud provides letter of medical necessity
  • • Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale
  • • Connecting flights via Mexico, Canada, or Bahamas
  • • Airport reception and ground transport in Havana

Cost & Insurance

  • • All-inclusive program (medical care + wound care + accommodation + meals)
  • • Transparent pricing after medical review
  • • U.S. insurance & Medicare do not cover Cuba treatment
  • • HSA/FSA funds may be usable — consult your plan administrator
  • • Medical expenses may be tax-deductible (over 7.5% AGI)

Payment Methods

  • • Secure online gateway — U.S. credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
  • • International bank transfers in EUR, GBP, or CAD
  • • USD bank transfers are not accepted
  • • Itemized invoices provided for HSA/FSA reimbursement
  • • Comprehensive medical documentation for tax purposes

Diabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from American Patients

Cuba offers Heberprot-P — a recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rEGF) developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), injected directly into the wound bed to stimulate healing. It is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. Combined with comprehensive wound care, infection management, and vascular assessment, this approach offers a treatment option for chronic, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic Foot Wound Care — Treatment Expectations, Timelines & Eligibility

What to Expect from Diabetic Foot Wound Care

Detailed answers about treatment expectations, recovery timelines, and eligibility criteria for international patients considering Cuba's intensive diabetic foot wound-care program.

Cuba's program aims to promote wound healing in chronic diabetic foot ulcers that have not responded to standard care — not to cure diabetes. Heberprot-P stimulates the proliferative phase of healing (cell growth, angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation). The degree of improvement depends on wound severity (Wagner grade), vascular status, infection control, blood sugar management, and overall health. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether the program may be appropriate. No specific outcome is guaranteed; individual results vary.

All eligibility and treatment-expectation information is general in nature. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate. Individual suitability is determined only after a full medical review. No specific outcome is guaranteed.

Eligibility, Limb-Preservation Outcomes & Recovery Times

Am I Eligible? What Are the Outcomes and Recovery Times?

Detailed answers about who qualifies for the limb-preservation program, how success is defined, and the realistic recovery timeline — from arrival in Cuba to returning home and resuming daily life.

Eligibility is determined through individual medical review. The program most commonly accepts patients with Wagner grade 1–3 diabetic foot ulcers — superficial ulcers through deep ulcers with abscess or osteomyelitis — that have not healed after 4+ weeks of standard wound care. Patients must be medically stable enough to travel internationally and participate in daily treatment. The multidisciplinary team reviews wound severity, vascular status, infection control, and overall health for each case. Acceptance is based on individual evaluation, not a fixed checklist.

All eligibility, outcome, and recovery information is general in nature. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate. No specific outcome — including wound healing or amputation prevention — is guaranteed. Individual suitability and results are determined only after a full medical review.

Patient Assessment Form

Start Your Medical Evaluation

Complete this secure assessment to help Cuba's wound-care team understand your condition and determine whether an international treatment program may be appropriate. All information is confidential.

Your Information
Medical History
Condition Details
Upload Records
Review & Submit

Step 1 of 5 — Your Information

Your Information

Tell us who you are and how we can reach you.

Your information is encrypted and confidential. We never share data without consent.

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Ready to Explore Diabetic Foot Treatment in Cuba?

Submit your medical records for a complimentary review by Cuba's wound-care team. Receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days — no obligation to travel.