Neurologist states that “Santiago Hazim is clearly stable” and supports preventive detention

Santo Domingo.- Through the social network TikTok, the doctor Zaida Luciano, a specialist in neurology, explained that Santiago Hazim is “clearly stable” and does not present a risk of “sudden death” Luciano explained, in an audiovisual of 1 minute and 49 seconds, that multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord; therefore, the treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. He indicated that the medication Ocrelizumab, which Hazim receives, precisely fulfills that function.

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“Ocrelizumab is not covered by any insurance in our country and, due to its high cost, can only be obtained through the High Cost Medications program,” the specialist pointed out. He also added that, if the RD$15,000 million that, according to the Public Ministry, were defrauded from the social security system are returned, “there would be enough Ocrelizumab for him and for the dozens of patients who need it”. Santiago Hazim and his defense, headed by the jurist Miguel Valerio, argued that the former director of Senasa could die in prison if he does not receive adequate treatment for his illness. For this reason, they requested Judge Rigoberto Sena, of the Permanent Attention Office of the National District, to impose house arrest and not a travel ban to treat him medically. However, the judge ruled for preventive detention for 18 months, to be served in the Las Parras penitentiary center. The defense stated that it does not accept said decision and will appeal the judicial ruling.