Speaking before the Senate Health Commission on Monday, Health Minister May Chomali reported that nearly a thousand patients remain hospitalized across the country due to a lack of support networks. The official described the situation of these patients as a "scenario of abandonment."
Most of those affected are older adults who, despite being medically cleared for discharge, are unable to return to their homes. The absence of family members or responsible caregivers prevents these patients from leaving hospital facilities.
“These are people who have basic medications and basic care, yet they remain hospitalized,” the Secretary of State noted during the legislative session.
Impact on the hospital system
The Minister detailed that the figure of one thousand people is equivalent to the capacity of two entire hospitals dedicated solely to this type of patient. Chomali emphasized that medical teams have exhausted all options to manage their transfers.
“We understand, and there is no doubt, that our hospitals have done everything possible to try to send them home, only to find there is nowhere for them to go,” the official explained.
The official also addressed the economic cost this situation imposes on the State. According to the Minister, there are specialized elderly care institutions whose costs are significantly lower than the cost of maintaining a hospital bed.
To tackle the problem, the Ministry of Health will request a cross-reference of information with state benefit databases. The goal is to identify the socioeconomic status of the patients' families.
“I can say with certainty that a significant percentage of these families are receiving the PGU [Universal Guaranteed Pension], retirement benefits, or similar; this is abandonment,” Chomali stated.
The Minister noted that resolving this conflict requires a strategy that goes beyond her department. Addressing this socio-sanitary crisis will also involve the Ministry of Social Development and Family, as well as other government sectors.
