Venezuela: Health Center Closed Amid Earthquake Emergency, Leader Denounces Government Neglect

Juan Pablo Guanipa, a political leader, publicly denounced the closure of the "Hugo Chávez" Integral Health Center in Macuto, La Guaira, on Saturday. He highlighted the facility's inaccessibility amid the ongoing emergency caused by earthquakes that struck on June 24.

Guanipa, speaking from the site alongside concerned residents, expressed disbelief that the health center was not operational. "It cannot be possible that at a time like this, we do not have a functioning health center," he stated, emphasizing its crucial role in treating those injured by the tremors. He attributed the closure and lack of response to the national government, led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez.

"Things like this cannot continue to happen in Venezuela," Guanipa declared. "On one hand, we have the natural situation of the earthquake, and on the other, we see all the subsequent treatment that has been done and has been fatal for the victims' care." His remarks underscore a perceived failure in emergency response and public services during a critical time.

Meanwhile, Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, reported an official death toll of 1,430 people from the June 24 earthquakes, with 3,238 injured. He stated that the health system had provided over 12,000 medical attentions in affected areas, including 5,000 hospital services and 7,500 triage procedures. Humanitarian aid efforts have distributed 7.2 million kilograms of food and 16,145 food bags directly to affected families, particularly in La Guaira.