By The Star Staff
Designated Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero, alongside District 22 Rep. Joe “Joito” Colón and Utuado Mayor Jorge Pérez Heredia, secured a preliminary agreement on Wednesday to prevent the closure of Utuado Hospital, a situation that had raised significant concerns within the community.
The Hospital Metropolitano de la Montaña in Utuado had announced the closing of its emergency units to become a mental health institution.
The agreement, reached through the combined efforts of local officials and a group of dedicated doctors, ensures that the mountain region hospital will continue to operate. In the upcoming transition period, the hospital will provide health services from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, an ambulance will be available to address emergency cases on the days when the hospital is transitioning. It is anticipated that services will eventually be extended to operate 24 hours a day, in order to meet the urgent needs of the populace.
Colón expressed his relief regarding the outcome.
“We feel relieved, as our team was able to reach agreements that ensure the residents of Utuado and surrounding towns can continue to receive medical care at our hospital,” Colón said. “We will work diligently to expand this agreement and ensure our community has access to comprehensive services. Our priority is to guarantee that our population, especially the elderly, has nearby hospital resources available in case of emergencies.”
The legislator thanked the Health secretary, the mayor, Sen. Jaime Barlucea Rodríguez “and the courageous health professionals who stepped forward to manage our hospital.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to continue providing support as needed,” Colón said. “Being an accessible representative is our priority.”
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