Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez, spokesman for the New Progressive Party delegation in the House of Representatives, said the search for improving the quality of health services, especially the transfer to medical meetings, to residents of the island municipality of Vieques. a meeting with the staff of the Department of Health, as well as from the Soy Vieques Foundation to present the parameters of a sea and air transport program for patients.
“Viequenses deserves a first-class medical service, including a modern and permanent medical facility-hospital in Vieques and a program to transport patients to medical appointments outside the mentioned island municipality. To achieve this goal, we need to explore new alternatives that allow us to implement an optimal service that takes the patient home, transfers him to the pier or airport – depending on the circumstances – and then transports him from Ceiba to the doctor’s office. and then back home, ”said the former president of the lower house.
“According to the data provided, there are currently about 70 patients on Vieques who frequently need to deal with their recurrent conditions with specialists outside the island. Every week, about 27 go to the so-called Big Island to visit health clinics, hospitals or attend a medical meeting. Most are elderly people who find it difficult to use current systems without the necessary help. Therefore, we need to identify ways to facilitate their services and it is important to establish a coordinated transport system for these types of activities, ”added Méndez Núñez, who also represents District # 36 in Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques and Culebra. .
During the conclave, which took place yesterday, Monday, members of the Soy Vieques Foundation detailed the details of a transportation plan for Vieques patients that includes lifting the person from home, transferring them to the dock in Isabel II to occupy a pre-reserved place in the ships To the Maritime Transport Authority (ATM), the one collected at the new ATM terminal from the old Roosevelt Roads naval base in Ceiba for transfer to the scheduling place, as well as their return.
If there is a situation with the ATM service, due to bad weather, among other things, then the patient will be transferred by an air operator from the regional airport Antonio Rivera Rodríguez de Vieques.
“This is a concept that needs to be evaluated very carefully, because it would be very productive for Viequenses. We will continue to study ideas and concepts that improve the quality of life of Viequenses, as well as Culebrenses, directly, “concluded Méndez Núñez.