Santo Domingo – The Emergency Extrahospitalary Care Services Directorate (DAEH) will assume responsibility for providing medical assistance at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, which will take place in Santo Domingo in the summer of 2026. The announcement was made by Major General ® Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the DAEH and also of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), during a meeting with members of the Games Organizing Committee, led by its president, José P. Monegro.
“From ambulances to the training of medical personnel, the DAEH puts all its services at the disposal of this great sporting event. Serving the nation is our duty and commitment,” expressed Méndez.
Juan Manuel MéndezMedical Coordination and Contingency Plan
In the meeting, Dr. Milton Pinedo, in charge of the Medical Management and the doping area, and Dr. Elías Pérez, coordinator of the medical service of the Games, participated. It was agreed to establish a comprehensive emergency plan for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as an evacuation system and safety protocols. Among the planned measures is the installation of mobile hospitals in the main sports centers, such as the Olympic Center and Parque del Este. The DAEH will also set up a medical training center, which will be used to train the staff that will provide support during the Games. “We feel confident in having institutions committed to the country. We want these Games to not only be spectacular, but also safe in every way,” said Monegro.Strategic Meeting and Tour
After the announcement, the authorities toured the DAEH facilities, where they could observe the operational and technological capacity of the organization. The directors Aljeriz Jerez (Out-of-Hospital Management), Ruddy De Gracia (Liaison with the Health Network), Luisanna Mercedes (Risk Management), Laura Rodríguez (Emergency and Urgency Management), and José Luis Germán (deputy director of the COE) were present on the tour. With this agreement, one of the key aspects for the success of Santo Domingo 2026 is strengthened: the medical attention and safety of athletes, delegations and the general public.
