The
President of the Republic Pedro Castillo on Monday stressed the urgent need to have a solid, efficient, humane, and decentralized health system in Peru.
The remarks were made as he inaugurated the Canta Callao Bicentennial Hospital —run by the
Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud)— which will benefit more of 200,000 insured people in northern Lima and Callao.
"We have the enormous challenge of preserving and defending life in the face of the current pandemic and the chronic problems that have resulted in 200 years of neglect, indifference, and lack of planning by the health system," Mr. Castillo pointed out.
"The health of Peruvians cannot wait. Health should never be a business, nor should it be a privilege," he added.
In his speech, the country’s top official stated that his administration has made every effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants from the first day in office.
"This permanent action consists of strengthening the primary care level and implementing our health facilities, so that there is no lack of beds, medical oxygen, medicines or personnel, among other services," he remarked.
"The greatest efforts have been made by doctors, nurses, and technical staff, whose dedication has allowed them to administer more than 52 million vaccine doses, which represents more than 80% of the immunized target population, of which over five million were administered as a third (booster) shot," he highlighted.
The Head of State noted that the insured population in northern Lima and Callao will have access to health services in better conditions, with the equipment, facilities, and qualified personnel available at the newly inaugurated hospital in Lima’s San Martin de Porres district.
(END) NDP/GSR/JCR/RMB
Published: 1/10/2022