Venezuelan Iahula Hospital initiates psychosocial triage for rescue workers and showcases upgrades to legislators

The Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes (Iahula) has launched a specialised psychosocial triage protocol to protect the mental health of first‑line disaster responders who worked in La Guaira after the 24 June earthquake. More than 100 firefighters, civil‑protection staff and other rescue personnel have been evaluated by Iahula’s psychiatry and psychology services, with those needing further care referred to its psychiatric‑psychology unit for ongoing psychotherapy. Psychologist Verónica Serrano emphasized that the programme is “more than a luxury, it is an institutional and ethical duty” to support those exposed to high‑stress situations.

In a separate event, Iahula received a visit from the Mérida State Legislative Council (Clebm). Delegates including Luisa Barboza, president of the Permanent Health and Social Development Commission, and Delia Vera, council president, toured the hospital’s newly remodelled intensive‑care unit, expanded adult and paediatric emergency areas, and the newly created “Sala de la Esperanza,” a waiting room designed to accommodate 200‑300 family members. The visit, backed by Governor Arnaldo Sánchez and national health minister Delcy Rodríguez, highlighted the institution’s commitment to improving patient care and staff wellbeing.