Crisis in the Dominican healthcare system: Serious deficiencies reported in hospitals
The People’s Force (Fuerza del Pueblo) has raised alarms regarding the current state of health services in the Dominican Republic, describing the situation as an imminent collapse. According to statements by Dr. Ramón Alvarado, the organization’s Secretary of Health, a lack of management and planning has caused citizens to wait up to 30 days to obtain a spot in intensive care units (ICU).
Critical conditions and lack of supplies
During a press conference, Alvarado exposed a worrying reality in various hospitals across the country. Among the most serious complaints are the treatment of patients on the floor due to a lack of stretchers, the shortage of essential medicines, and the recurring suspension of scheduled surgeries, which forces users to repeat laboratory processes and previous studies.
The Government’s lack of planning has health services on the verge of collapse, violating a fundamental right of the Dominican population.
Doctor Ramón Alvarado, Secretary of Health for the Fuerza del Pueblo party.
X-ray of the affected centers
The complaint detailed specific issues in three key centers of the national territory:
- Francisco Moscoso Puello Hospital: Patients are reported in the emergency room receiving intravenous fluids while standing or sitting on plastic chairs, in addition to ambulances being held up due to a lack of available stretchers for transport.
- Vinicio Calventi Hospital: The center suffers from overcrowded hallways, the absence of adequate air conditioning —forcing the use of fans— and a lack of critical equipment such as CT scanners and echocardiogram machines.
- Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital: It shows advanced deterioration in its mental health, laboratory, and blood bank areas, added to electrical and infrastructure problems that increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
The political leader emphasized that this crisis not only affects the quality of life of patients, but also puts at risk the lives of those who cannot be admitted in time. Given this scenario, the Fuerza del Pueblo has demanded that the Government urgently implement corrective measures to restore the optimal functioning of hospitals and guarantee dignified care for the citizenry.
