Hugo Chavez Goes Doctor Shopping

Are there no competent doctors in Caracas? Did they all flee to Havana? Hugo Chavez went to Cuba for surgery. Hmmm.

When do dictators seek medical treatment in countries other than their own? Hmmm. When they've got a problem too serious for the local doctors. Or, more likely, when they don't want anyone at home or elsewhere to know the truth about their condition.

As we all know, when it comes to medical care in Cuba, the treatment includes secrecy. Nobody knows what medical problems required Fidel to have abdominal surgery. And no one knows exactly how the surgeon botched the surgery, which left Fidel in a permanently weakened state. Anyway, it seems Chavez wants secrecy more than anything else. Why would he want secrecy? Maybe because he's got cancer. Maybe he's got a serious problem and he wants to keep the facts from his enemies, both internal and external.

He's probably worried about a coup. If Chavez were to admit he's in Cuba because he's receiving treatment for a serious condition, the folks back home might decide it's a good time to replace him.

Meanwhile, we can hope that Chavez receives the same quality of care that Fidel got. Following his surgery, Fidel was no longer able to control Cuba.

Chavez may return to Venezuela within 12 days

Jun 22, 2011

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - President Hugo Chavez is recuperating well from his surgery in Cuba and is expected to return to Venezuela within 12 days, one of his brothers said Wednesday.

Adan Chavez told state television that "it's not clear" exactly when his younger brother would return, but the leader expects to depart for Venezuela within 10 to 12 days.

"The president is recovering in a satisfactory manner," he said. "The president is a strong man."

Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba for a pelvic abscess June 10.

The condition is an accumulation of pus that can have various causes, including infection or surgical complications. Neither Chavez nor doctors treating him have disclosed what caused the abscess.

Venezuelan Vice President Elias Jaua said Chavez is attending to his day-to-day government duties while recuperating.

"He's signing documents for social security retirees and resources for the education ministry, reading reports," Jaua told Union Radio. "The president is following all current events in the country."

Chavez's absence and his relative silence has concerned some of his supporters.

The loquacious leader has communicated by telephone with program hosts on state television several times since the surgery, but Venezuelans are accustomed to the president's near daily speeches and television appearances that can last several hours.