Dominican Republic doctors protest arrests as malpractice case draws teacher union support

The president of the Dominican Medical College, Luis Peña Núñez, defended a doctors' strike, accusing the Public Ministry of violating due process in the arrests of two physicians. He said the suspension affected only non‑urgent consultations and elective surgeries, while emergencies continued, warning that such actions could lead to "defensive medicine." He added, "Los médicos nos habíamos prometido que este tipo de insultos a la comunidad médica no los íbamos a dejar pasar."

In La Vega, the Dominican Teachers Association (ADP) rallied behind teacher Mirka Mercedes Ramírez, who suffers severe, irreversible health damage after a dental procedure performed by the Almánzar brothers, whom authorities allege practiced dentistry without proper licensure. The union called for a transparent investigation and full legal accountability, stating, "Nuestra posición es clara y firme porque estamos aquí por una maestra dominicana y queremos que la justicia investigue a profundidad." The court has imposed economic guarantees on the accused dentists and requires their periodic appearance before authorities.