Humacao hospital closes, leaving 150 people jobless

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero

By THE STAR STAFF

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero has confirmed the closure of Hope Medical Center in Humacao due to non-compliance with legal and regulatory provisions, leaving 150 people without a job.

The closing is part of a broader hospital crisis on the island stemming from persistent financial losses, delayed payments from insurance companies and staff shortages, leading to a precarious financial situation in 17 institutions.

Ramos stated that he had previously requested information from the hospital, but they had not responded. It was discovered Wednesday that the hospital failed to process payroll and admit patients.

A hospital employee told Walo Radio: “The Medical Center released our payroll checks at 6:40 p.m., but they bounced. We were unable to cash them until Wednesday, November 19. On Monday, November 17, the administrator resigned, and the hospital is now operating with an interim administrator who is also the operations director, while the medical director is responsible for clinical operations.”

“During the week of November 17-21, they instructed us to empty the intensive care unit and partially close the operating room,” she added.

The employee added that the hospital currently does not have a patient census, and only the emergency room is operational, with the payroll for Nov. 28 still unpaid.

She stated that upper management has not provided any answers, creating a state of uncertainty among the staff.

“All they say is that the board isn’t responding and that they’ll work on the payroll tomorrow, yet nothing has happened,” the employee said. “Nobody dares to speak out for fear of reprisals, but we’re desperate.”

In response to the complaints, Ramos noted that regulations do not apply to a temporary closure letter and assured that he would not allow anyone to violate the law.

“The people of Humacao have nothing to worry about; there are two other hospitals in the area, so services will still be available,” the official emphasized. “Our inspectors will visit the hospital today to prepare a report for my decision. Let it be clear that we will not hesitate to ensure compliance with the law.”