Father of pediatrician who died after malpractice gives letter to President Orsi, seeking justice

The father of Soledad Barrera, a pediatrician who died after a gallbladder surgery involving alleged medical malpractice, met with President Yamandú Orsi to hand over a letter and discuss the case. Barrera had been in a vegetative state for 10 months following the procedure.

The anesthesiologist involved in the surgery, Inés Miralles, was convicted of negligent homicide through an expedited process and initially received a five-year ban from practicing medicine. However, the Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, reduced this period to three years, a decision that has drawn political criticism and complaints.

Néstor Nuñez, Barrera's father, intercepted President Orsi during a visit to the Sociedad Fomento de Treinta y Tres. He presented a letter to the president, which had previously been delivered during a protest seeking justice for his daughter. Nuñez conveyed his frustration, stating that despite their efforts, the process had not been expedited.

President Orsi acknowledged the father's concerns, assuring him that he would analyze the situation and mentioning a prior conversation with the Minister of Health. Nuñez expressed his deep personal pain, stating, "We lost our daughter, and now we are going to lose our peace. I hope justice will be done." He also voiced concerns that the minister might not resign over the matter.

The letter delivered to President Orsi details that basic patient safety standards were not followed during the surgery by the anesthesiologist. It specifically mentions that "eventual abandonment of the operating room during surgery constitutes a serious offense." The family argues that the reduction in Miralles's suspension "directly attacks democracy after a judicial ruling" and that they have a right to see justice respected, the truth known, and the events not minimized or information concealed.

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Tengo a mi señora enferma en consecuencia de esto, sino ella hubiera venido acá y hubiera dicho un montón de disparates. Nos quedamos sin hija, y ahora nos vamos a quedar sin pena. Espero que se haga justicia.