Doctors use cellphone flashlights to illuminate operating room after power cut at Ciudad del Este hospital

A video from the Regional Hospital of Ciudad del Este shows an operating room falling dark as a medical procedure began, forcing the surgical team to use cellphone flashlights temporarily.

The power cut occurred Tuesday morning. Medical director Francisco Paiva said the hospital’s backup system activated 10 seconds after the interruption, and electricity was then restored in an orderly manner so the procedure could continue without complications.

“The power went out just as a procedure was beginning. The backup system activated, and then power was restored in an orderly way so the procedure could continue without complications,” Paiva said. “This backup system activates 10 seconds after these unforeseen events, ensuring that surgical activities can continue.”

The video renewed attention on the condition of the Regional Hospital, the main referral center in Alto Paraná. The facility has faced years of maintenance problems and building deterioration. After repeated complaints, President Santiago Peña announced plans to build a new General Hospital of the East. The new facility, however, is expected to have only 54 more beds than the current hospital, which remains overcrowded.

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The power went out just as a procedure was beginning. The backup system activated, and then power was restored in an orderly way so the procedure could continue without complications. This backup system activates 10 seconds after these unforeseen events, ensuring that surgical activities can continue.