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Uruguay inaugurates upgraded pediatric wards, criticizes past neglect
🇺🇾 Uruguay /Health & Science

Uruguay inaugurates upgraded pediatric wards, criticizes past neglect

From El País · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Uruguay's State Health Services Administration (ASSE) inaugurated renovated pediatric wards at the Pereira Rossell Hospital.
  • The upgrades include nine wards with 16 beds, featuring improved facilities like bathrooms and closets, after an investment of $8 million.
  • Officials criticized past administrations for neglecting the hospital's infrastructure, stating that "nothing had been invested" since 2019.

Uruguay's State Health Services Administration (ASSE) has inaugurated newly renovated pediatric wards at the Hospital Pereira Rossell (CHPR), part of the government's "Plan Invierno" initiative to manage increased demand during colder months. The project involved refurbishing nine wards, adding 16 beds, and significantly improving patient comfort with the inclusion of bathrooms and closets.

There is a conception of making the care of our children more humane and more dignified.

— Gustavo GiachettoThe director of the Hospital Pereira Rossell on the purpose of the renovations.

Gustavo Giachetto, the director of CHPR, highlighted the goal of making care more humane and dignified for children. He noted that the renovated spaces now include essential amenities like bathrooms and closets, which were previously lacking. This investment aims to provide a more comfortable environment for both patients and their families during hospital stays.

These children are the most vulnerable, and they needed to have bathrooms with showers. Look what I'm saying! That they have a closet to store their bags!

— Álvaro DanzaThe president of ASSE highlighting the basic improvements made to the pediatric wards.

Health Minister Cristina Lustemberg and ASSE President Álvaro Danza were present at the inauguration, both strongly criticizing previous administrations for the state of disrepair. Danza emphasized the basic dignity of providing bathrooms, stating, "We are not saying we are putting in a gold bathroom with an electric shower screen!" Lustemberg added that such improvements are not a privilege but a right for all, especially for the most vulnerable.

These works, where the most vulnerable people are treated, give them dignity. It cannot be a privilege for those who can pay. It cannot be that some enjoy certain hospital conditions as if it were a five-star hotel, and others are piled up in inhuman conditions.

— Cristina LustembergThe Minister of Public Health emphasizing the importance of dignity in healthcare for all patients.

Officials pointed out that significant neglect had occurred, with Danza stating that "nothing had been invested" in the Pereira Rossell hospital since 2019. The renovation of the newborn ward, gynecology, and ground floor polyclinic are also underway, with substantial investments planned. ASSE anticipates that improved neonatal and pediatric care will reduce reliance on private institutions, potentially lowering costs.

nothing had been invested

— Gustavo GiachettoThe director of CHPR stating the lack of investment in the hospital since 2019.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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