Economy February 5, 2025 - 10:45 am
Dominican Republic spent RD$1,068 Million on Haitian births in 2024
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic invested approximately RD$1,068,757,173 in childbirth and cesarean section procedures for 32,967 Haitian mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in 2024, based on an average cost of RD$32,419 per delivery, according to international studies.
According to health expert Dr. Pedro Ramírez Slaibe, the total investment in maternity care for both Dominican and Haitian women in public hospitals reached RD$2,971,015,799 pesos. He also noted that charging undocumented immigrants for healthcare services presents legal and regulatory challenges. The funds used for these births could have covered healthcare for over 343,000 Dominicans under the Subsidized Regime.
As the government evaluates mechanisms to charge non-resident foreigners for medical services, Ramírez Slaibe warned that doing so could create legal contradictions, as the Constitution and health laws guarantee universal access to healthcare. Additionally, international treaties prohibit discrimination in medical services, making implementation complex and potentially unconstitutional.