Health Minister assures decrease in dengue and Haitian mothers; guarantees preparation for chikungunya alert

Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, assured this Wednesday that the Dominican health system is prepared for the alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the spread of chikungunya in Latin America. In addition, he spoke of a palpable decrease in Haitian mothers in the country’s hospitals and a decrease in dengue cases.

Upon his arrival at the National Congress, the official explained that there has been a decrease in the number of pregnant Haitian women attending Dominican health centers, particularly in areas such as Verón, Punta Cana, San Juan, and Greater Santo Domingo after the measures taken by the government.

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Atallah stated that, although they are guaranteed medical attention with dignity and respect, once the emergency is resolved, the patients are referred to their homes or the appropriate place, according to current immigration regulations. “Respect for the person who arrives at the hospital is preserved, they are treated, they are cared for, and after resolving the emergency, we proceed according to immigration law. It’s not about not attending to them, but we must also guarantee the rights of our citizens, whose beds were sometimes displaced,” declared the minister. Regarding the WHO’s warning about a possible chikungunya outbreak, Atallah indicated that the country is prepared thanks to the creation of a Vice Ministry of Risks, which oversees the points of entry to the national territory. He added that controls and checks have been implemented at airports and borders, as well as constant training in all Provincial Health Directorates. “We are working with clear protocols and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. That’s why this year we have registered a historic reduction in dengue cases, with zero deaths and a decrease of more than 75% compared to last year,” the minister specified. The minister concluded by highlighting that the resources of the Dominican health system are being used more efficiently, allowing more Dominicans to receive timely and quality care.