He Roosevelt Hospital Not only struggles to save lives inside their emergency rooms. It also faces, for years, a hostile environment abroad: Road chaos, insecurity, threats and violence.
In 2017, Seven people died “Between them two children,” during a Armed attack perpetrated by gang members They tried to rescue a inmate.
In 2024, one Pump threat forced the entire hospital to evacuate. Recently, a report by the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) revealed another type of silent risk: the Collapse of accesses, due to vendors and informal parking lots.
An ambulance that should arrive in three minutes to emergencies It can take up to 10 or 20. In critical situations, that delay can make a difference Between life and death.
These are the five conditions that most compromise the safety and functionality of this national reference hospital, according to the technical report:
- Emergency access obstruction
Ambulances and relief vehicles face serious difficulties to get on time to the hospital. A journey that should take three minutes can extend up to ten, according to estimates from the Ministry of Health. The main obstacle: poorly parked vehicles and informal sales that occupy the so -called “path of life.” - Invasion of public space by informal economy
Streets and banquets have been taken by vendors, making it difficult for the pedestrian and vehicular passage. This occupation not only affects the fluidity of traffic, but also represents a structural and human danger, according to Conred. - Lack of urban planning and ornament
The area lacks road planning and adequate infrastructure to handle the daily flow of patients, visitors and merchants. This has resulted in chaos, accumulation of garbage and health risks around the hospital. - Insecurity and illegal charges
In addition to the disorder, the surroundings of the Roosevelt have become risk areas for robberies, assaults and irregular charges due to the use of space as a parking lot. Although a protocol to expedite the attention of the deprived of liberty, The inmates continue to arrive by court order, which raises the tension in an already overloaded area and without optimal safety conditions. - Unfinished infrastructure and committed mobility
The unfinished overflow on the Roosevelt road, 9th Avenue in Zone 11, further complicates mobility. This, added to vehicles parked on red line and other traffic faults, hinders timely income to a hospital that serves thousands of emergencies every year.
What does Conred recommend?
The report raises solutions from a comprehensive evacuation plan to joint strategies between the Ministry of Health, Government, the Municipality and Emetra.
It also appeals to the fulfillment of the Constitution, which establishes the right to health and a safe environment for all.
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A reflection of the crisis
These factors are not exclusive to the Roosevelt Hospital. He San Juan de Dios General Hospital, In zone 1 capital, it faces similar challenges: armed attacks, assaults and shootings in its surroundingsaggravated by the constant saturation of patients.
Both centers operate under pressure that has become extreme at times, while the National Health System maintains a constant effort to guarantee the Supply of supplies and medications in view of Structures overflowing with demandproduct of armed facts, traffic accidents and regular consultations.