The partial roof collapse that occurred this Friday at the Simón Stridels Pediatric Hospital, in Azua, has triggered an exhaustive investigation by the National Health Service (SNS). The incident occurred during the removal of the roof slab in the construction work, but fortunately, it did not leave any victims or affect operations, as the services of the center have been suspended since the start of the work.
Causes under scrutiny by experts
Professionals specialized in engineering are evaluating the partial roof collapse to identify the precise reasons. The SNS emphasizes that this preventive review aims to ensure optimal safety conditions before resuming the construction, aligned with institutional standards. This approach reflects strict protocols in public health projects in Dominican Republic.
Details of the Simón Stridels Pediatric Hospital
The center, destined for children in the southern region, will include three levels with advanced infrastructure: 13 consultation rooms (including two dental), 46 inpatient beds, eight pediatric ICU cubicles, and eleven neonatal ICU cubicles. In addition, it will have seven interns, four externals, four preparation beds, four post-surgical beds, three operating rooms (two multipurpose and one aseptic), a tomograph, X-rays, two ultrasound cubicles, a laboratory, laundry, kitchen, dining room, and administrative areas.
Context of hospital constructions in Azua
Azua faces chronic challenges in medical infrastructure. Projects like this respond to the demand for specialized pediatric care, where the southern region registers high rates of infant morbidity due to respiratory and neonatal infections, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health. Similar incidents, such as structural failures in past public works, have prompted more rigorous reviews. In 2023, a report by the Controller’s Office detected irregularities in 15% of state constructions, highlighting the need for constant supervision.
- Key infrastructure: Pediatric and neonatal ICU for emergencies.
- Modern equipment: Tomograph and X-rays for precise diagnoses.
- Priority security: Post partial roof collapse evaluation.
The partial roof collapse generates concern about the quality of materials and supervision in government projects. Experts in civil construction consulted emphasize that failures in roof slab removals usually result from inadequate mixtures or premature overloads. The SNS guarantees that no progress will be made without certifications. This case highlights the urgency of strengthening controls in vital projects like the Simón Stridels Hospital, essential for thousands of families in Azua. The partial roof collapse is being thoroughly investigated to prevent future risks.
