DIDA warns it will sue if private clinics suspend patient care

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Information and Defense of Social Security Affiliates (DIDA) warned it will file a collective legal action if private health centers suspend services to patients amid their dispute with Health Risk Administrators (ARS).

DIDA Director General Elías Báez said the agency is prepared to take immediate legal action to protect affiliates’ constitutional right to healthcare, stressing that medical services must remain uninterrupted regardless of contractual or financial disagreements between insurers and healthcare providers.

Báez acknowledged that medical providers have the right to defend their claims but emphasized that existing legal and institutional mechanisms allow such disputes to be resolved without affecting patient care. He added that resources managed by the ARS are intended exclusively to guarantee access to benefits under the Family Health Insurance Plan (PDSS).

DIDA said it is closely monitoring the situation and will pursue all necessary legal and constitutional measures to ensure the continuity of healthcare services. The agency also confirmed that its guidance and assistance channels remain available 24 hours a day to support affiliates.