Abinader proposes charging illegal foreigners for health services

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced that the Dominican government is considering charging for health services provided to undocumented foreigners as part of efforts to strengthen the public health system. He emphasized that, given the international stance on Haiti, the country can no longer continue offering free healthcare to all and must implement stricter measures, whether through fees, restricted access, or both.

The discussion is driven by the high percentage of Haitian women giving birth in Dominican public hospitals. According to the National Health Service (SNS), 40% of births in these facilities in 2023 were from Haitian mothers. The impact is most pronounced in provinces like Elías Piña (80%) and La Altagracia (76%), with other border regions such as Pedernales (65%), Dajabón and Montecristi (62%), and Valverde (61%) also reporting significant numbers.

This trend has fueled national debate over the strain on the Dominican healthcare system and its economic implications. While some provinces, including Santiago, La Vega, and the National District, show lower percentages, the issue remains a widespread concern, prompting the government to reconsider its policies on healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.