At least 10 death threats and threats of attacks against staff and facilities at Roosevelt Hospital have accumulated in recent days, which is why outpatient care is irregular, due to the fact that doctors have declared themselves in a permanent assembly demanding more security, reported authorities at the hospital.
In a press conference on Tuesday, August 27, authorities from the hospital reported on the security situation at Roosevelt Hospital and detailed that, although the presence of security forces has been strengthened, the staff still feels unprotected and some doctors maintain the measure of not providing outpatient consultations until prior notice.
Luis Chávez, director of the Roosevelt Hospital, said that about a thousand patients come to the outpatient clinic every day, so the impact of the actions that have been committed by unknown people for several days is alarming.
Chavez confirmed that in recent weeks there have been at least 10 threats, some directed at specific people and others against the facilities, which represents a danger for both staff and those who come to the health center, whether for care or for some other errand.
Without indicating whether the threats are linked to the care given to inmates at the hospital, Chavez said that “it is a rather complex issue because the needs of the population, including those deprived of liberty, must be met.”
He added that the Penitentiary System and the Ministry of Health are working together on this issue.
Regarding threats, the doctor said that “we can add up to an average of 10,” which include the warning of the placement of a bomb in the health center; he also highlights that there are even threats of attacks against life, and that in total there are 10 to date.
The doctor also acknowledged that the presence of elements of the National Civil Police (PNC) in the perimeter area and inside the Hospital was strengthened, but despite that, between 1,200 and 1,500 patients are affected every day by the irregularity in the provision of some services.
“The threats are direct attacks against people’s lives and very specific ones such as nursing staff, medical staff and of course the biggest threat was the placement of an explosive device,” said the director, who added that this is the reason why care is not provided in some services, because the staff is frightened.
Authorities said that a complaint has been filed for each case, because those affected have been supported throughout the process.
“They have been offered support for filing complaints for each of the threats,” the director added.
He reiterated that the hospital continues to operate in critical emergency services, intensive care and care for people requiring urgent attention.
He ruled out the possibility of a complete halt in hospital care for the time being, since the authorities at the Government have strengthened security.
Authorities have called on those making threats to stop the harassment so that the health of the more than 1,000 people who come to the clinic every day is not put at risk.
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