Dominican Republic medical leaders propose new healthcare funding and facilities

In the Dominican Republic, medical professionals and associations are calling for structural changes to address gaps in healthcare coverage and specialized care. Dr. Félix Antonio Cruz Jiminián is advocating for the construction of the ‘Hospital de la Dignidad,’ a facility specifically designed to provide palliative care for terminal patients with limited financial resources. He noted that while pediatric and general hospitals exist, there is a lack of dedicated centers for those in the final stages of life to receive dignified care.

Simultaneously, Carlos Manuel Alcántara, president of the National Association of Private Clinics and Hospitals (ANDECLIP), has proposed the creation of an emergency fund. This fund would aim to cover the initial costs for patients arriving at private medical centers without insurance who require immediate, life-saving assistance. Alcántara emphasized that while clinics are legally obligated to stabilize patients in critical condition, the responsibility for the resulting medical bills remains undefined. He also expressed concern regarding how the new Penal Code might impact medical practice and professional responsibility.