PLD demands explanations from the SNS regarding neonatal deaths at La Altagracia Maternity Hospital
The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) caucus of deputies has formalized its intention to summon the executive director of the National Health Service (SNS) before the Chamber of Deputies, with the aim of clarifying the recent neonatal deaths recorded at the Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia University Maternity Teaching Hospital. The initiative seeks to obtain clear answers regarding the health safety protocols implemented at the center.
The spokesperson for the opposition bench, Ydenia Doñé, led the call to attention, questioning the effectiveness of the oversight mechanisms that the SNS maintains in the public hospital network. For the legislator, the modernization of infrastructure and medical equipment is insufficient if strict surveillance is not guaranteed in fundamental aspects such as hygiene, sterilization, waste management, and infection prevention.
Are we facing isolated events or signs of a broader problem of maintenance, supervision, and quality in the hospital network? The families of those children deserve an explanation.
Ydenia Doñé, spokesperson for the PLD deputies’ bloc
Questioning management and controls
Deputy Doñé raised critical questions regarding the frequency of microbiological controls in high-risk areas, such as intensive care units, operating rooms, and hemodialysis services. Likewise, she emphasized the need to clarify who receives the results of such evaluations and what protocols are activated upon the detection of any sanitary irregularity.
- Request for appearance before the Permanent Health Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.
- Demand for a detailed report on the sanitary conditions of the La Altagracia Maternity Hospital.
- Review of epidemiological surveillance protocols at the national level.
SNS stance and measures taken
The National Health Service has provided clarifications regarding the data. According to the agency, during the period from August 1 to 24, 266 live births and 17 deaths were recorded. The NHS has rejected that all of the deaths were caused by infections, arguing that 14 of the cases were linked to high-complexity conditions, such as extreme prematurity, heart disease, and congenital anomalies.
Given the situation, the hospital’s management stated that it is maintaining active surveillance and the rigorous application of care protocols. In parallel, the Ministry of Public Health has intensified its supervision efforts, intervening in eight hospitals to comprehensively evaluate patient safety, water quality, sanitation, and medication supply.
