Minister addresses neurosurgeon resignations, citing 'great alarm'

Uruguay's Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, has responded to the recent resignation of the head of Neurosurgery at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital, Gonzalo Costa, and two other on-call neurosurgeons. Costa's departure, along with that of his colleagues, was prompted by what he described in a widely circulated letter as a situation bordering on "omission of assistance" due to a shortage of critical medical supplies necessary for "dignified" patient care.

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Look how striking it is how that situation unfolded.

Minister Lustemberg expressed surprise at the manner of the resignation, noting that Costa's letter was disseminated through media channels rather than through the hospital's established institutional procedures. She reiterated the position of Hospital Director Gustavo Giachetto, asserting that the center does not face difficulties that endanger patient lives. Lustemberg assured that authorities are actively implementing measures to bolster the neurosurgery service.

Lustemberg cautioned that publicizing such issues, particularly concerning health matters like meningococcal disease or other concerns, can generate significant alarm among the public seeking medical attention. She highlighted that communication about health issues requires careful handling to avoid unnecessary public anxiety.

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When one communicates health issues, which is what happens with meningococcus and other things, it generates great alarm among people who today require attention from health teams.

According to reports, Costa had previously submitted multiple letters detailing the service's critical situation on August 6, 2025, and again on March 10 and July 17 of the current year. Before his resignation, Costa met with the General Administration of State Health Services (ASSE) on the preceding Friday. He stated that he was informed during this meeting that there was no budget to address his demands.

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it was resolved to purchase a microscope (worth US$ 300,000) of the latest generation and other difficulties that could have existed.

However, Minister Lustemberg stated on Wednesday evening that following that meeting, a decision was made to purchase a state-of-the-art microscope valued at $300,000, along with addressing other potential difficulties. She reiterated her concern about the public nature of the colleagues' complaints, emphasizing that the resignation letter was not initially presented to the hospital's administration.

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it is powerfully striking the way the colleagues expressed that, with a public letter that was not presented to the hospital's management.