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.
WHY DON’T WE OPEN AND OPERATE A HOSPITAL FOR BIRTH INSIDE HAITI. WE RUN IT WE FUND IT. THAT WAY THEY’LL STAY IN THEIR COUNTRY!
Because no one in their right mind wants to live and work in Haiti where the odds of staying alive are worse than winning the powerball lotery.
the hospital could be built, and given to one of those NOGs,like doctors without borders ect. it has been proposed before but they refuse. they argue that they are not suppose to be long term care providers.
SMH
For the record, 32,419 pesos is roughly 530 dollars. For a single childbirth.
Not really the point. They are illegally present and claiming benefits reserved for citizens and permanent residents.
Hospitals and physicians should be required to immediately report to migration officials when any Haiti citizen who is not legally present and entitled to care attempts to gain services. If safe they should deport the mother back to Haiti to give birth there. If the birth takes place in the DR then remove the mother and child both back to Haiti.