In the district of Magenta in Nouméa, New Caledonia, on May 15, 2024, near a pharmacy that remained open, dozens of cot beds have been set up in the lobby of the Médipôle, the main hospital. These beds are not for patients, but for individuals who are leaving the hospital, such as new mothers with their babies, pregnant women coming for consultations, and injured individuals whose injuries do not require treatment but who have no way of getting home. The hospital staff, including healthcare workers and essential personnel, have been unable to leave since the start of the riots on Monday, May 13th. They are sleeping wherever they can, whether it be in makeshift sleeping areas in the hospital or even in offices.
The hospital, located in the suburbs of Nouméa, is cut off from the rest of the world. It is nearly impossible to access due to the hundreds of barricades along the ten-kilometer road separating it from the capital. The surrounding area is also unsafe, with clashes between law enforcement and rioters occurring in the nearby shopping center. The living quarters of the interns have been destroyed, but the hospital director assures that the Médipôle is not a target for intrusions. They are doing their best to care for patients with the existing staff, as relief workers cannot be brought in. Some medical staff have been discreetly transported to the hospital, as it is located by the sea.
The hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, are all overwhelmed by the situation. The shortage of supplies is becoming apparent, with difficulties in providing food for everyone, including patients. The meals have become sparse, and the staff, who have been on-site for four days, are beginning to feel the strain. The intensifying conditions are taking a toll, with limited resources for personal hygiene and uncertainty about how long they can sustain their efforts. The emergency services are functioning normally, but consultations have been suspended, and patients with chronic illnesses are no longer seeking treatment. This concerning situation has led to efforts to bring in patients who require urgent care, with ambulances being allowed through by rioters when the situation is calm.
The ongoing crisis in Nouméa has left healthcare workers and hospital staff in a challenging position, trying to care for patients amidst the chaos of the riots. The exhaustion and strain on resources are evident, with staff living on-site and facing difficulties in providing adequate care and sustaining themselves. The disruption in medical services, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses, is a cause for concern, as many are not seeking the necessary treatment. As the situation continues to escalate, the hospital staff are doing their best to cope with the challenges and provide care for those in need, despite the obstacles they face due to the unrest in the region.
