Centers filled with dengue patients, respiratory diseases

The director of the Metropolitan Health Service, Dr. Myrna Font-Frías, admitted yesterday that the hospitals of greater Santo Domingo are crowded with patients, but said that it is not only due to dengue, respiratory infections have also increased.

The official spoke while opening the strategy of bringing health services to the community, which began yesterday in the country. This same strategy was implemented by executives of the National Health Service (SNS).

“It is true, our hospitals are full of people suffering from dengue, but there is an increase in those affected by respiratory problems, due to viruses circulating this season,” said the director of the metropolitan area.

Font-Frías admits the overabundance of patients in hospitals, in that sense, ensures that the population has sought to go to the primary care units and those of the second level of care.

Font-Frías explained the simultaneous strategy from the Dr. Jacinto Ignacio Mañón hospital as the: “SNS in the Community,” with the aim of bringing health services to the population in a timely manner.

The doctor further explained that “SNS in the Community” takes place in the hospitals Cristo de los Milagros, Engombe, El Almirante, Boca Chica, Doctor Rodolfo de la Cruz Lora, and Doctor Pedro Heredia Rojas.

She also stressed that at the national level this program is implemented in 42 municipal hospitals until the totality is completed and responds to the requirement of adequate infrastructure, personnel, and basic equipment.

“This initiative is a joint effort between hospital staff and the First Level of Care, which is developed in four thematic areas: Health immersions, Awareness programs on priority health issues, Community integration and Home monitoring programs of patients,” said the director.

She also pointed out that by means of sanitary dives, the community can access consultations, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose measurement, vaccines, dental module, and other services, which will have a favorable impact on improving health throughout the country.

The Metropolitan Region is working on the integration of the services of the 210 First Level Care Centers (CPNA), with the 34 hospitals and 22 Diagnostic Centers, so that citizens receive health care in a timely manner; in addition to contributing to the elimination of barriers that prevent greater access to health.

At the national level, The National Health Service launched the same strategy simultaneously in 42 municipal hospitals in the country.

The formal meeting was held at the Villa Fundación de Baní municipal hospital, where the owner, Chanel Rosa Chupany, announced that the strategy is part of the institution’s commitment to implement actions aimed at improving the health of citizens.

“It is about bringing health services to the community, to the people, so that the hospital leaves the four walls of the establishment and approaches its users,” Rosa Chupany added.