Renal Patients in Santo Domingo Protest Due to Non-Payment by Health Ministry

In the heart of Santo Domingo, a silent yet profound outcry echoes through its streets. Renal patients, grappling with the reality of halted treatments and jeopardized health due to unpaid debts by the Ministry of Health, have taken their grievances into the public eye. This article delves into their struggle for survival against bureaucratic indifference.

A Community’s Cry for Survival

For years, these patients relied on hemodialysis sessions at Socihemod Clinic, a lifeline provided under the aegis of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP). However, an insidious threat loomed large — a debt exceeding 8 million dollars owed by the MSP. This staggering amount has forced the clinic to cut down crucial dialysis sessions from three to two per week for patients dependent on government support.

The Economic and Emotional Toll

The reduction in treatment frequency is more than an inconvenience; it’s a dangerous gamble with health, where every missed session could mean accumulating toxins and excess fluids, leading to life-threatening complications. For these patients, the financial burden becomes unbearable as they face additional costs for intermediate dialysis sessions — ranging from \(80 to \)100 each.

Félix Ortega, a 10-year-old patient, encapsulates the fear that grips this community: “The clinic can no longer support us all because of non-payment. We’re left uncertain about our treatment continuity.” Similarly, Ángel Melo laments the physical repercussions and financial strain, saying, “We’re informed we’ll only receive two sessions weekly, with the third costing extra.”

A Movement for Change

In response to their dire situation, patients blocked the Chone Avenue in a peaceful demonstration. This act of protest is emblematic of their desperation for resolution — they are not just fighting for their health but asserting their right to life and dignity. Their voices collectively call for immediate action from the Ministry of Health to ensure uninterrupted treatment.

Behind Closed Doors

Meanwhile, José Lafuente, the clinic’s financial director, describes a precarious balance. “We’ve been managing with partial care while awaiting payments,” he says, revealing the administrative limbo that exacerbates their plight. While IESS-affiliated patients continue to receive full sessions due to timely payments, those reliant on MSP face an uncertain future.

Echoes of Hope and Despair

The struggle of Santo Domingo’s renal patients is a testament to resilience in adversity. Yet, it also sheds light on systemic failures that leave individuals vulnerable at the hands of bureaucratic inefficiency. As these patients rally for their rights, their plight serves as a clarion call for governmental accountability and reform.

In this moment of uncertainty, the community stands united in its plea for action — not just from local authorities but from all who believe in justice. It’s a reminder that health is not merely a personal issue but a collective responsibility that demands attention, empathy, and immediate intervention.

Original article source: El Diario