Democratic leader Jeffries tours San Juan Municipal Hospital, medical center

By The Star Staff

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo received the Democratic minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries earlier this week to show him first-hand the transformations in the Municipal Hospital of San Juan and other key projects financed with federal funds.

The visit, Romero said, strengthens the ties between the municipal government of San Juan municipal government and congressional leaders in favor of the well-being of San Juan residents.

“Having the support of leaders like Congressman Jeffries strengthens our management and helps us continue to push key initiatives in health, infrastructure and energy,” the mayor said after a tour of the hospital. “His visit reaffirms that San Juan is on the right track by prioritizing projects that transform the quality of life of our people, especially in vital areas such as health and the issue of energy resilience.”

The agenda of the visit included a detailed presentation of the 29 improvement projects to the Municipal Hospital, with a total investment of $96 million, including the renovation of the surgery and emergency rooms, as well as initiatives to ensure uninterrupted electricity service with microgrids. Jeffries also learned about progress on the $250 million Puerto Rico Medical Center project.

“I appreciate Mayor Romero Lugo’s leadership, and it was an honor to tour the Medical Center and learn about renovation projects that will improve the quality of health care in San Juan and beyond,” Jeffries said. “Democrats in the House will always put the health, safety and economic well-being of American citizens on the island at the center, because when Puerto Rico prospers, the United States prospers.”

“As we return to Washington, we will continue our effort to address the Medicare, Medicaid and nutrition assistance funding issues that have long plagued the people of Puerto Rico,” he added.