Life-saving medication and equipment are in short supply or entirely absent in hospitals and clinics throughout Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Gangs have taken control of the city, blocking roads, closing the main airport, and disrupting operations at the largest seaport. Medical staff are struggling to treat patients with critical illnesses, such as a woman who suffered a convulsion in a hospital in the heart of gang territory. Doctors Without Borders hospitals are running low on crucial medications for treating various conditions, which is putting patients’ lives at risk.
The healthcare system in Haiti is on the verge of collapse as gangs have launched coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure, leading to the closure of several medical facilities. Hospitals have been forced to shut down, leaving only a handful operating, such as Peace University Hospital which has treated hundreds of patients with gunshot wounds. The violence and disruptions caused by gang activity have led to a marked increase in casualties, with more than 2,500 people killed or wounded in the first three months of the year.
Patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS, are finding it increasingly difficult to receive the care they need due to the lack of medical supplies and staff availability caused by gang violence. Doctors and nurses are often unable to get to work due to road blockades and safety concerns, exacerbating an already dire situation. Even when hospitals are open, there is a shortage of essential medications, forcing medical staff to improvise and prioritize care for those in critical condition.
People with chronic conditions are particularly vulnerable as the medication they rely on is no longer available in the country. Doctors Without Borders has run out of many essential medications used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, putting patients at risk of serious health complications. The organization has had to reduce the number of patients seen at its hospitals, leaving many people without access to vital medical care. Patients are forced to navigate dangerous streets controlled by gangs in search of treatment.
Despite the challenges, medical staff at Doctors Without Borders hospitals are doing their best to treat patients under difficult circumstances. However, the situation remains dire, with limited resources and growing numbers of patients in need of care. The ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince is making it increasingly dangerous for patients and medical staff to access hospitals, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Urgent action is needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Haiti and ensure that people receive the medical care they need to survive.
