28°C
Fuerza Del Pueblo Raises Alarm Over Dominican Public Hospitals
The opposition Fuerza del Pueblo party has raised concerns about conditions in several Dominican public hospitals, alleging overcrowding, shortages of medical supplies and prolonged waits for intensive care beds.
The Dominican Republic’s public hospital system is facing serious challenges, according to opposition party Fuerza del Pueblo, which has alleged overcrowding, shortages of equipment and medical supplies, infrastructure problems and prolonged waits for intensive care beds at several facilities.
Ramón Alvarado, the party’s health secretary, made the allegations during a news conference in Santo Domingo, saying some patients have reportedly waited more than 30 days for an intensive care unit bed. He also described cases involving patients being treated in areas without adequate space or beds and surgeries being postponed after patients had already completed required tests.
Party Cites Conditions At Several Hospitals
Alvarado said the problems extend beyond capacity and include shortages of medicines, laboratory supplies and medical equipment, as well as deteriorating infrastructure. He cited roof leaks, electrical and generator failures, damaged floors and problems with water supplies among the conditions reported at some facilities.
At the Francisco Moscoso Puello Hospital in the National District, Alvarado alleged that patients in serious condition have been left in emergency-room waiting areas, including some sitting on plastic chairs or on the floor. He also said some patients receiving intravenous treatment have had to remain standing and that ambulances can be delayed while waiting for hospital stretchers to become available.
The allegations have not been independently established across the facilities cited. They come from Fuerza del Pueblo, a major Dominican opposition party, as part of its call for government intervention in the public health system.
Vinicio Calventi Faces Infrastructure And Equipment Concerns
Alvarado also pointed to conditions at the Vinicio Calventi Hospital in Los Alcarrizos, where he alleged that limited space, crowded corridors and delayed ambulance transfers are affecting patient care.
He said some injured or medically treated patients have been forced to remain seated while waiting for attention. The party also cited inadequate air conditioning and shortages involving equipment such as CT scanners and echocardiography machines, as well as shortages of sheets, laboratory reagents and other supplies.
The hospital has been undergoing a major government-backed renovation. In May, the government reported that a second phase of the project included work on the intensive care unit, operating facilities and inpatient areas, with an investment of RD$984 million. Officials said the broader renovation was expected to be completed by the end of 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Problems Also Reported In Barahona
At the Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital in Barahona, Alvarado alleged organizational problems in the emergency department, shortages of medicines and consumable supplies, electrical difficulties and inadequate climate control.
He also cited problems in the mental-health area, laboratory and blood bank, including shortages of reagents and supplies. According to his account, the hospital’s dialysis water-treatment system requires maintenance, while flooring in surgical areas and some imaging equipment are also in poor condition or out of service.
The government has previously reported investments in equipment for the Jaime Mota Hospital, including plans to provide a dental CT scanner and other diagnostic technology as part of efforts to strengthen services in the public hospital network. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Fuerza Del Pueblo Calls For Government Action
Fuerza del Pueblo is urging the government to intervene in the hospitals it identified and address what it describes as deficiencies affecting timely and adequate patient care.
The allegations come as the Dominican government continues to report investments in public health infrastructure and equipment. The contrast highlights an ongoing challenge for the country’s health system: expanding and modernizing facilities while maintaining uninterrupted services as hospitals undergo renovations.
For patients, the practical impact of hospital capacity is particularly significant in emergency and intensive-care settings, where shortages of beds or equipment can affect how quickly people receive treatment. The claims made by the opposition party will therefore place renewed attention on the condition and capacity of the public hospital network, as well as the government’s response to the specific problems identified.
