Port-au-Prince, December 16, 2022 --- The University Hospital “la Paix” in Port-au-Prince is on the path to universal health coverage. On December 15, 2022, the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MOH) inaugurated the hospital's renovated ambulatory emergency services, operating room and laboratory, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
This inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Alex Larsen, the general Director of the MOH, Dr. Lauré Adrien, the Representative and the Director of Health Emergencies service of PAHO/WHO, Dr. Maureen Birmingham, and Dr. Ciro Ugarte, the Representative of UNFPA in Haiti, Saidou Kabore, and the administrative and medical staff of the hospital.
The inauguration of this modern installation now allows the University Hospital “La Paix” (PUH) of Port-au-Prince to respond to obstetrical emergencies and all other emergencies at the level of a CEmONC (Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care) institution.
The renovation and consolidation of the ambulatory emergency services, the operating room and laboratory is put in place to be flexible, secure and resilient, said Dr. Jean Philippe Lerbourg, Head of the emergency department of the hospital.
The technical platform of this emergency department includes: A reception room, consultation cubicles, an observation room, a suture room, a laboratory, a pharmacy, the imaging, the sterilization room and the intensive care unit. With this new development, the capacity of PUH's emergency services is growing and is ready to receive an average of 30,000 patients by the year 2023.
The country is experiencing its first emergency department equipped with its laboratory and imaging for comprehensive care in the same space. The patient who arrives in the emergency department can benefit without worry.
Dr. Lerbourg mentioned that human resources are mobilized to make the service effective. Nurses, doctors with several specialties, laboratory technicians and pharmacists are available for an efficient and equitable health coverage at the PUH.
Dr. Adrien welcomes this achievement. "Having a jewel is good, taking care of your jewel is even better. He urged his staff at PUH to make good use of it.
Dr. Maureen Birmingham spoke about the challenges related to the International Day of Universal Health Coverage. The day calls for strong and resilient health systems, universal health coverage and the right to health for all.
The country lock, Covid-19, socio-political and economic crises and cholera have been obstacles, according to the Representative. She renewed PAHO/WHO's commitment to defending health for all.
The Minister of Health and Population thanked the partners who have contributed so that the national ambulance center now has about 100 ambulances throughout the country. He welcomed the inauguration of the Azile hospitainer on December 16, 2022.
The inauguration of the PUH emergency services marks a significant step forward in the initiatives of responsible institutions for the achievement of rights and choices for all. The Medical Director of PUH, Dr. Fontilus, expressed his gratitude to UNFPA in Haiti for its support in the acquisition of two washing machines and a dryer for the laundry room, which will be officially handed over in January.
Text and photos: Jhunie Laura Ganème
