Caracas Hospital Domingo Luciani suspends appointments through September after June quakes

The Hospital Domingo Luciani in eastern Caracas has resumed limited consultations but has suspended appointments in three specialties until the end of August and in others until September. The suspension follows the June earthquakes that struck the region 43 days ago, leaving the facility short of staff and overwhelmed by patients from Caracas, Aragua, La Guaira and the Tuy valleys. Hundreds of patients report waiting six hours or more in emergency and triage, crowded corridors and a lack of clear information. Health unions have asked the hospital administration and the Ministry of Health for a contingency plan and supplies, but officials have not yet responded.

The hospital is attempting a gradual return to normal services while still prioritizing earthquake victims, but the ongoing personnel shortage and high patient volume continue to strain its capacity.