Patient dies during Peru fuel price protests amid road blockades

A patient died in Pucallpa, Peru, as protests against rising fuel prices led to road blockades, hindering emergency services. The patient, who suffered a stroke and uncontrolled high blood pressure, was being transported by ambulance for specialized care when the vehicle was delayed by protesters blocking the Federico Basadre highway.

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The patient presented with a stroke and uncontrolled high blood pressure, requiring timely evacuation. However, during transport, the ambulance was affected by the blockade of the Federico Basadre highway, causing a delay that hindered timely attention.

The regional health directorate (Diresa) of Ucayali, where Pucallpa is located, stated that the delay made timely treatment difficult. They issued an urgent appeal to those participating in the demonstrations to ensure and respect the unimpeded passage of emergency units, ambulances, and health personnel, emphasizing that "medical attention cannot wait."

Protests and road blockades have been ongoing since Monday in Pucallpa and Iquitos, driven by social organizations and transport unions demanding government action against the soaring prices of diesel and gasoline. Diesel prices have doubled since February, and gasoline prices have increased by 53%.

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Medical attention cannot wait.

President Keiko Fujimori attributed the fuel price increase to the conflict in the Middle East but assured that her government would "take action" and present proposals to alleviate the situation. The head of the Chamber of Commerce in Ucayali warned that the ongoing strike has already caused millions in losses for the region.

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will take action