Puerto Rico Health Service Guarantees Continuity of Dialysis and Nutrition Programs
Santo Domingo – The National Health Service (SNS) of Puerto Rico has affirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential programs including Peritoneal Dialysis, Hemodialysis, and Nutritional Support for public network patients. This assurance comes with the full backing of the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP), led by Carlos Pimentel, to maintain transparency and consistent service delivery.
Presidential Directive for Comprehensive Patient Care
This initiative aligns with the directives of President Luis Abinader, who has mandated complete and ongoing coverage for patients requiring enteral, parenteral, or oral nutrition, as well as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Currently, the SNS provides treatment to over 800 patients within these programs, supporting their therapies until they grow eligible for kidney transplantation.
Inspection of Hospital Facilities and Program Evaluation
Dr. Julio Landrón, the executive director of the SNS, conducted an unannounced visit to the Doctor Francisco E. Moscoso Puello Hospital to assess the operations of the Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Units. He observed the program’s functionality and the quality of care provided to patients.
“We are visiting all areas through these uncoordinated sessions, with the purpose of supervising the different areas of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, where we have seen functioning worthy of recognition. From the SNS we guarantee that all patients on dialysis as well as those who are in nutrition programs, They will receive their inputs, formulas and enteral and parenteral nutrients in a timely manner,” stated Dr. Landrón.
Peritoneal Dialysis Unit Operations and Transplant Support
Dr. Solangel Ramírez, head of the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, detailed the processes and protocols implemented for patient care, including training for family members and caregivers to facilitate at-home assistance. The unit currently serves 184 patients and has successfully identified candidates for kidney transplants, resulting in four patients receiving transplants nationwide to date.
Hospital Capacity and Mental Health Services
During his visit, Dr. Landrón inspected various hospital areas, including Outpatient Consultation, Billing, waiting rooms, the warehouse, and specialized services. The hospital serves between 2,000 and 3,000 patients daily, along with accompanying individuals and healthcare personnel, resulting in an approximate daily flow of over 5,000 people.
Dr. Landrón also visited the Crisis Intervention Unit within the Mental Health department, which has eight beds and receives 24 to 30 patients daily. He commended the staff, led by doctors Anya Alcántara and Katty Gómez, for their dedication to mental health care.
“This is one of the main areas of attention in the country and a global concern. We congratulate that dedication and that sense of inclusion. You will have the support that you need from the SNS,” he stated.
Commitment to Humanistic Care and Hospital Strengthening
Dr. Landrón reaffirmed the SNS’s support for the hospital’s management, led by Dr. Alex Rodríguez, and pledged to provide assistance with infrastructure and equipment, particularly in the Emergency area, to enhance the hospital’s responsiveness. He highlighted the Moscoso Puello Hospital’s commitment to humanistic care and reiterated the institutional commitment to strengthening hospitals across the country to ensure dignified and timely care for vulnerable populations.