Dominican Republic healthcare faces crisis amid hospital shortages and new regional hospital proposal

The Fuerza del Pueblo political party has denounced a critical state in the Dominican Republic’s healthcare services, claiming the system is on the verge of collapse. Dr. Ramón Alvarado, the party's health secretary, reported that patients are waiting more than 30 days for intensive care unit (ICU) beds. He highlighted severe deficiencies in public hospitals, including a lack of beds, medical supplies, and specialized equipment, noting that some patients are being treated on floors or in waiting rooms.

Specific issues cited include deteriorating infrastructure, such as electrical and water supply failures, and the suspension of scheduled surgeries. The Francisco Moscoso Puello Hospital in the Distrito Nacional was specifically mentioned, with reports of patients receiving intravenous solutions while standing in emergency areas.

In a separate development in San Juan de la Maguana, local leaders and professionals have proposed the construction of a ‘Hospital Central del Sur.’ Inspired by the Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS), the project aims to provide high-complexity medical services to the southern region. The initiative, promoted by Alberto Ramírez Cabral, rector of UFHEC, seeks to address regional healthcare gaps through advanced medical technology and specialized services.

Meanwhile, the National Health Service (SNS) and the Dominican Medical College (CMD) continue to hold working meetings to address medical workdays, legal internships, and the distribution of specialists to strengthen the public health network.