Venezuela's health system is overwhelmed after earthquakes, says WHO

Venezuela's health system is under severe pressure, the WHO (World Health Organization) reported on Tuesday (30), with some hospitals damaged and others short of staff following two fatal earthquakes last week.

More than 1,700 people died and 5,000 were injured after hundreds of buildings were destroyed or damaged by consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.

At least three health centers have suffered critical damage, and six others are damaged or only partially operating, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said at a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

"The rest remain operational, (but) under strong pressure," he said, referring to a survey carried out in 21 health units.

"Preliminary conclusions reveal chaotic service delivery and patient flow, marked by overcrowding and increased waiting lists for surgeries," added the spokesperson.

Several health professionals specializing in maternity care in La Guaira remain missing, he said, creating what he called a critical gap in obstetric care.

The thousands of people displaced by the earthquakes are also at risk of disease outbreaks such as yellow fever and dengue, especially due to relatively low vaccination coverage, Lindmeier continued.

Understand how the strength of earthquakes is measured

Source: CNN