Tragedy in Peru: Patient dies after being trapped in road blockades in Pucallpa
Sad news shakes the Ucayali region, Peru. A patient who was being transported in an emergency ambulance lost their life after being trapped in road blockades that have been maintained for the fourth consecutive day in the city of Pucallpa. The traffic interruption, caused by citizen protests over rising fuel prices, prevented the medical unit from reaching its destination on time.
The Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) of Ucayali confirmed the death through an official statement. According to the report, the patient was suffering from a stroke (CVA) and uncontrolled arterial hypertension, critical conditions that required immediate specialized care. The transfer was being carried out from the city of Aguaytía to Pucallpa when the ambulance was stopped by protesters who were blocking the Federico Basadre highway with logs and pickets.
Medical attention cannot wait. We make an urgent call to those participating in the mobilizations and those responsible for the blockade points to guarantee and respect the free transit of emergency units, ambulances, and health personnel.
Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) of Ucayali
Context of the social crisis
The protests, which began last Monday, have paralyzed key sectors in Pucallpa and Iquitos. Transport unions and social organizations are demanding urgent government measures in response to the drastic increase in fuel costs. Currently, the price of diesel has reached 24.6 soles per gallon, doubling the figures recorded in February, while gasohol has experienced a 53% increase.
The situation has generated widespread shortages, causing long lines at gas stations in the area. Faced with this scenario, the business sector has raised its voice in alarm. Rubén Cerna, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Services of Ucayali, warned that the strike is causing millions in economic losses, seriously affecting the most important port in the Peruvian Amazon.
For its part, the central government has pointed out that the price hike is a direct consequence of the conflict in the Middle East. The state administration promised to present proposals in the coming days to mitigate the economic impact on families in this Amazonian region.
