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Appointed Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero, along with District 22 Rep. Joe “Joito” Colón and Utuado Mayor Jorge Pérez Heredia, secured a preliminary agreement on Wednesday to avert the closure of Utuado Hospital, a prospect that had stirred substantial worry within the community.
The Hospital Metropolitano de la Montaña in Utuado had declared plans to shut down its emergency units in order to transform into a mental health facility.
The agreement, reached through the united efforts of local officials and a dedicated team of physicians, guarantees the continued operation of the mountain region hospital. During the forthcoming transition phase, the hospital will offer health services from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. An ambulance will also be on hand to manage emergency situations during the days of transition. It is expected that services will ultimately expand to operate around the clock, addressing the urgent needs of the community.
Colón conveyed his relief regarding the resolution.
“We are relieved, as our team was able to secure agreements that ensure residents of Utuado and nearby areas can continue accessing medical care at our hospital,” stated Colón. “We will work hard to expand this agreement and guarantee that our community has access to comprehensive services. Our primary goal is to ensure that our population, particularly the elderly, has nearby hospital resources available in emergencies.”
The legislator expressed gratitude to the Health secretary, the mayor, Sen. Jaime Barlucea Rodríguez “and the brave health professionals who took the initiative to manage our hospital.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to continue providing necessary support,” Colón remarked. “Being an accessible representative is our main priority.”
