The public health system in the Santiago Mariño municipality of Nueva Esparta has achieved a strategic advancement for the island state. With the reactivation of the operating room at the Hugo Chávez Comprehensive Diagnostic Center (CDI), located in the Los Cocos sector of Porlamar, pediatric surgical procedures have begun immediately and are being offered completely free of charge.
The project, carried out through a joint effort between the Ministry of Popular Power for Health, the Government of Nueva Esparta, the Mayor's Office of Mariño and the Barrio Adentro Mission Foundation, encompassed the comprehensive adaptation of the surgical areas and the complete air conditioning of the facilities of the healthcare center.
Quality surgical care
During the opening day, the first group of children from the area received care. Ana Michini, the state's sole health authority, detailed the scope of the surgical plan implemented at the center.
"We're going to perform hernia, mole, and other less complex surgeries on children. This is the first group; many more will follow, including care for adults. We're going to have a center where we provide quality healthcare," Michini explained.
For his part, the mayor of the Mariño municipality, Eneas González, emphasized the impact of the project on the public care network and on decongesting the state's emergency services.
“We have all worked together to have a top-notch operating room, of the highest quality and with the latest technology. This will allow us to alleviate the burden on the Dr. Luis Ortega Central Hospital, the main hospital in our state. We also achieved complete climate control of the facilities, creating the conditions for our community to have greater access to healthcare,” the mayor explained.
strengthened healthcare network
The governor of Nueva Esparta, Marisel Velásquez, highlighted the consolidation of the regional public system during the tour of the CDI facilities.
"Today we begin performing surgical procedures on our children, completely free of charge and filled with love for our people. Nueva Esparta now has a hospital and outpatient network that rivals any private clinic," Velásquez emphasized.
Alongside the reopening of the surgical area, the CDI hosted a day of comprehensive care for the elderly residents of the area. During the event, the Santiago Mariño Social Foundation distributed assistive devices—including wheelchairs, walkers, and canes—aimed at improving the mobility and quality of life of senior citizens in Mariño.
