A legal and regulatory standoff has exposed how a medical facility in Providencia, Chile, operated as a high-complexity surgical clinic despite municipal zoning laws explicitly prohibiting such establishments in the zone.
The controversy surfaced following the death of Sergeant Alan González, who died from peritonitis after a procedure at Clínica Almirante Pastene. Bolivian surgeon Elmer Terraza Ríos, the clinic's representative, has been formally charged with manslaughter.
Following the death, a second patient suffered a cardiac arrest during surgery at the same facility, requiring emergency transport to Clínica Santa María. These incidents prompted a municipal inspection that revealed the clinic was operating under a patent limited to low-complexity medical services.
Institutional Deadlock
Official documents reveal a direct contradiction between state agencies. While the Municipality of Providencia issued a certificate in November 202 and stated that 'hospitals and clinics' are prohibited in the area, the Metropolitan Health Authority (Seremi de Salud) approved the site as a 'medical-surgical clinic' on January 2, 2023.
The Seremi authorization detailed high-complexity infrastructure, including seven major surgery theaters and an anesthetic recovery room. However, the municipality maintains its patent only allows for outpatient or low-complexity care.
When asked about the land-use discrepancy, the Seremi de Salud Metropolitana stated the facility met the requirements of the Sanitary Code. The agency added that verifying land-use compatibility is the responsibility of the municipality.
The Municipality of Providencia confirmed its patent restricts the site to a 'Medical Center' for low-complexity care. Officials stated they have conducted at least five inspections since 2024, including one following the death of a 28-year-old woman.
Local authorities admitted to limitations in their oversight. 'Inspection is carried out within our competencies and with the access restrictions imposed by the center itself,' the municipality said regarding a 2025 visit.
Health authorities have since issued fines totaling 210 UTM and opened several disciplinary proceedings. In March 2026, the Seremi prohibited the use of the clinic's surgery theaters and recovery rooms following the investigation into the patient's death.