Coronel Bogado Hospital: Pediatric bathroom remains closed for a year amid patient complaints

Patients and local residents are voicing strong complaints about the dire conditions at the Coronel Bogado District Hospital, particularly the prolonged closure of the pediatric ward's bathroom. This facility has been inaccessible for a full year, exacerbating the difficulties faced by families seeking care for sick children. Compounding the issue, sections of the waiting area are also unusable due to cracked and uplifted floor tiles.

“

the bathroom... continues to be closed, as are other sectors of the waiting area.

Departmental councilor Óscar Flecha reportedly inspected the site after receiving numerous complaints. He documented issues including leaks in some consultation rooms, leading to moisture damage on walls. The pediatric pavilion, despite being a relatively new structure inaugurated in 2020 with significant investment, is suffering from these persistent problems.

Dr. Manuel Codas, the hospital's director, stated that the closed-off areas are cordoned to prevent accidents, given the presence of children. He acknowledged that the bathroom requires comprehensive intervention, not just intermittent repairs. Inspections this week aimed to assess the scope and cost of a full renovation, which is expected to affect multiple areas of the pavilion.

“

the closed areas are delimited to avoid accidents, understanding that children are treated on site.

Codas explained that the local Health Council, headed by Mayor Héctor Céspedes, has committed to the repairs. However, the timeline for these works is uncertain, dependent on budget availability and the council's prioritization. The director suggested that construction issues, possibly related to the building's location in a low-lying area, have led to problems with water pipes, causing leaks and further damage to floors and walls.

“

it needs comprehensive intervention.

The pediatric sector provides emergency and outpatient services, staffed by 14 medical and 20 nursing professionals. The hospital serves over 100,000 patients annually and is a key referral center for surrounding districts. Despite the critical need for repairs, the community awaits a concrete plan and timeline from the Health Council.

“

the response depends on budgetary availability and the priority they give to this need.