Hospital Universitario San Jorge reports $32 billion pesos in earthquake damage

The Hospital Universitario San Jorge in Pereira, Colombia, has reported approximately $32 billion pesos in damages following a violent earthquake that struck western Colombia. Technical commissions and insurance firms estimate the losses include significant physical infrastructure damage and roughly $2.5 billion pesos in damage to biomedical and clinical equipment.

Despite the impact, the hospital remains 80% operational and continues to provide all essential services. While certain areas, including 80 beds on the fifth floor and 20 beds on the fourth floor, as well as some ICU cubicles and operating rooms, were closed due to structural issues, the facility is currently housing around 350 to 400 patients and managing emergency arrivals.

Hospital manager Javier Alejandro Gaviria Murillo stated that the facility is 100% insured through La Previsora. Plans are being developed to begin reconstruction and the replacement of biomedical equipment. The 78-year-old institution, which employs approximately 1,300 people, has historically withstood four previous earthquakes.