Doctors In Puerto Rico Face Mounting Medical Crisis In Maria's Wake

Forty-four percent of Puerto Rico was without drinking water. "But while you have over 1,000 nautical miles ... which presents a great defy in terms of getting all the logistics & materials to the island."Even while aid arrives in Puerto Rico, distributing it is a struggle. Nothing seems to work," Oliver said. In addition fueling infirmary generators, doctors are worried they won't be enable to drive to work if the shortage continues. At Centro Medico, Puerto Rico's main hospital, "only 2 operating rooms were up & running" on Thursday, Oliver said.




In Puerto Rico, Relying On Luck & sufficient Gas To Get Medical CareEnlarge this image toggle caption Angel Valentin for NPR Angel Valentin for NPRJulio Alicea's 8-month-old granddaughter Aubrey came down by severe respiratory troubles a day after Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, doctors' offices & walk-in clinics haven't reopened since the storm. The government in Puerto Rico said 1 of its highest priorities is restoring power to the island's hospitals. It serves not just Puerto Rico, however the entire Caribbean. He said he's very worried about Puerto Rico's future:"If we do not get help, something is will happen which will be a long-term trouble for Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico's Slow-Motion Medical Disaster

Roads are blocked, supplies are stuck at the ports, & just eleven of Puerto Rico's 69 hospitals are open. But without air conditioning, Puerto Rico's tropical climate is hitting the upper 80s this week. One-fifth of Puerto Rico's inhabitance has some kind of disability, including half of those above age 65. The converted supertanker will bring 1,000 beds, twelve operating rooms, a CAT-scan, & radiology capabilities to Puerto Rico. "That's what is will begain happening."But long-term, the influences of Puerto Rico's collapse probably ripple far beyond the island.


collected by :Lucy William