Santo Domingo.- Ophthalmologist Judith Portorreal, specializing in keratoconus, dry eye, and contact lenses, has issued a warning about potential visual issues arising from temperature changes in the Dominican Republic.

The expert emphasized that the ongoing cold front and increased wind in the country are contributing to a rise in allergies and dry eyes among the population.

“We are witnessing an increase in the proliferation of mites and mold inside homes, leading to allergy symptoms. Simultaneously, outdoor exposure brings particles of dust, pollen, fungi, and bacteria carried by the wind, irritating the eyes and promoting tear evaporation, leading to infections,” she explained.

Portorreal highlighted that individuals experiencing rhinitis, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and itchy eyes are likely undergoing an episode of eye allergy. She pointed out that if the eyes also feel burning, as if there is dirt, and appear red, it indicates a combination of allergy and dry eyes.

Moreover, the ophthalmologist noted that allergies can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and conversely, dry eye can worsen allergy symptoms.

To mitigate these issues, the expert recommended wearing sunglasses outdoors for protection, frequent face washing, the use of artificial tears, and, if problems persist, seeking consultation with an ophthalmologist.

San Francisco de Macorís, DR.- The Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic (Minerd), in collaboration with the Public Ministry, is currently investigating an incident involving 22 students and five teachers from the Max Henríquez Ureña school in the municipal district of Cenoví, Duarte province. The individuals experienced health problems following the fumigation of an area near the educational center.

To address this matter, personnel from the General Directorate of the School Police, along with educational authorities, conducted thorough surveys to ensure compliance with legal procedures.

The health issues arose around 9 in the morning during a mass celebrating Ash Wednesday. According to reports, students were the first to detect the presence of chemicals in the environment.

The preliminary report indicates that cases of students experiencing symptoms like dizziness and nausea were documented. Simultaneously, some teachers reported skin allergies and vomiting.

Jocelyn Jiménez Concepción, the campus director, along with the affected students and teachers, were promptly transported to various health centers in the vicinity. They received treatment and were subsequently discharged. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances and address any potential implications in accordance with the law.

Santo Domingo—For several months, there has been an acute shortage of insulin in the country’s private pharmaceutical sector, especially one of the most widely used, type 70/30.

The situation has forced patients to go to the Instituto de la Diabetes (INDEN) and the Farmacias del Pueblo in search of the product, which still has a supply but is registering a high increase in demand.

This shortage is generating serious difficulties for patients with diabetes who require the use of insulin as an indispensable treatment for the control of their condition and who acquire the drug in the private sector, especially those with type 1 diabetes, who are insulin-dependent, as well as concern among endocrinologists and diabetologists.

The drug is also used by about 40% of patients who have type 2 diabetes, which is estimated to occupy 90% of the people living with this condition in the country, where studies indicate that about two million people live with diabetes or more than 13% of the Dominican population is affected by this condition of increased blood sugar.

The shortage of medicine in the private market and the difficulties for the supply were confirmed to Listín Diario by the president of the Dominican Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Sherezade Hazbún; the executive director of the Union of Pharmacies, Scarlet Sánchez; the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Nutrition (INDEN), Ammar Ibrahim and the executive director of the Program of Essential Medicines (PROMESE/CAL), Adolfo Pérez and Arelys Mercedes, president of the Dominican Society of Diabetology.

They assured that the shortage of the product affects the private sector but that this does not occur with the hospitals of the Public Network that have maintained their rhythm of use without alteration, nor the People’s Pharmacies or the Diabetes Institute, since they have a stop of the medicine in stock due to their large volume purchase and long-term agreements with their international suppliers.

ARAPF EXPLAINS CAUSES
Regarding the problem, the Association of Representatives, Agents and Pharmaceutical Producers, Inc. (ARAPF) explained that currently, the global production of drugs related to glycemic control for insulin-dependent diabetic patients faces significant challenges in planning due to the shortage of an essential component for the manufacture of insulin, as a result of the increase in the number of patients with diabetes.

“This situation has resulted in a worldwide shortage of the product, recently affecting the Dominican Republic. This decrease in availability has been manifested mainly in the vial presentation, as it is the one most commonly used by the population; however, in the pencil type presentation the supply has been stable and has not presented any affectation in a general way”, affirms the entity in declarations offered to Listín Diario.

It points out that the relevant institutions have the necessary availability to respond to the immediate needs, and the pharmaceutical laboratories “which we represent assure to have shipments on the way, with availability to guarantee the access of this to the patients.”

The organism understands that “this feeling of shortage” should not be prolonged and that this type of medicine will be supplied regularly in the next few days, so it should not represent a significant situation for the Dominican healthcare system.

Likewise, when confirming the supply difficulties, Sanchez said that the Pharmacy Union does not know the causes of the problems that the laboratories or the industrial sector have in supplying the insulin demand that the pharmacies have, but that for months, they have been observing that when they receive the order, especially the insulin 70/30 units, it is immediately sold out in the chain of pharmacies that they represent.

SIX-MONTH SUPPLY
The PROMESE director also assured that the medicine is guaranteed in the Farmacias del Público and that they have enough of the product in stock for the next six months due to the planning done and the purchase agreements signed with suppliers.

“Even if the private sector were to run out completely, we at PROMESE have enough to guarantee insulins to patients for the next few months,” he said, recalling that worldwide there are difficulties because Ukraine is one of the leading suppliers of insulin and biosimilars in the world. It has been affected by the war with Russia.

USE IN COMBINATION
Ibrahim explained that the most significant shortage is observed in the 70/30, which is a mixture of the NPH human insulin 70 units of rapid insulin and 30 units, so if a patient runs out, he can go to his doctor and ask him to explain that he can take 70 of one and 30 of the other because it can be combined since the mixture was made to avoid the patient having two punctures at the same time.

He said that INDEN still has a drug supply and that the manufacturers promise new deliveries before the end of this month. He assured us that they have been supplying a large part of the patients who go there in search of the drug.

Diaz, who is a member of the Board of Reef Check, spoke of the quick and timely attention received by doctors Maritza Santana and Rafael de los Santos, assisted by nursing assistants Damaso Marte and Noelia Batista, along with the remote advice of his doctor Pedro Ivan Peralta.

“The care in the emergency was excellent. The personnel on the morning of January 24 took the correct steps,” Marcos Díaz indicated. The hospital’s director, Carolina Burgos, said that the center’s medical team frequently receives patients with stings and other injuries that arise in coastal areas.

Last Tuesday, January 24, after leaving the waters of La Boya, the athlete, Marcos Diaz, explained that he stepped on something with his right foot, which caused him severe pain. Initially, he thought it was a cut, but he quickly identified the spine pricks of the stonefish, a poisonous marine species known for its camouflage and lethal poison.

Knowing the risks, with urgency and the help of the surfing community in the area, the athlete acted quickly, submerging his foot in hot water to neutralize the poison. Díaz highlighted the immediate collaboration of the community, his friends, and the intervention of the health center doctors, which he defined as fundamental to addressing the situation efficiently and preserving the life of the outstanding Dominican swimmer. The stonefish, of rocky and camouflaged appearance, is recognized for its venomous spines capable of injecting a potent poison.

Santiago – A total of 22 patients were admitted yesterday for dengue fever at the Arturo Grullon Children’s Hospital in this city, of which three are in the intensive care unit but in stable condition.

Among those affected were a 17-year-old adolescent and other minors of 10 and 13 years of age who arrived at the hospital in delicate conditions.

The health center’s director, Dr. Mirna López, explained that so far this year there has been a decrease in the number of cases of the disease caused by mosquito bites.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health released its Wednesday update, revealing that the country has recorded 1,340 positive cases of COVID-19, with 10 individuals hospitalized “without major complications.”

In the latest weekly report, the agency highlighted the processing of 13,822 samples, emphasizing the robustness of the health system in confronting the coronavirus and its JN variant.

Remarkably, this marks the first time in weeks that Public Health reports hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Additionally, the previous week saw 986 cases, an increase of 193 compared to the week of January 3 to 10.

Encouragingly, no patients are currently in intensive care units (ICU) or on mechanical ventilation, underscoring the health system’s capacity to manage existing cases.

Public Health reiterated that the JN.1 variant is now identified as the predominant strain, present in 14 of the country’s 32 provinces.

Despite the challenges posed by new variants, the Dominican Republic’s epidemiological situation remains stable, attributed to citizen collaboration, the system’s strength, and the effective implementation of preventive measures.

The institution urged the public to stay informed through official sources and adhere to health recommendations to prevent further virus spread.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Dominican Republic has confirmed 673,268 cases, resulting in 4,384 deaths, with no new fatalities reported since August 2022.

Santo Domingo.- Clínica Abreu, at the forefront of cutting-edge medical services, is celebrating a noteworthy accomplishment marked by the successful completion of its first-ever robotic surgeries in gynecology. This milestone serves as a testament to the clinic’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare. Heading the team in the realm of robotic surgery is Dr. José D. Eugenio-Colón, a distinguished Dominican gynecologist renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures..

With an annual experience of over 300-350 minimally invasive surgeries, covering diaphragmatic and cardiothoracic procedures, intestinal resections for endometriosis, fibroids, hysteroscopies, and cystoscopies, Dr. Eugenio-Colón has conducted approximately 1600 endometriosis procedures throughout his career. This wealth of experience significantly enhances the services provided by Clínica Abreu.

Utilizing the advanced Da Vinci robotic system, Dr. Eugenio-Colón and his team have achieved surgical precision and control. Robotic gynecological surgery offers numerous advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced infection risk, shorter recovery times, and a substantial decrease in postoperative pain. This technology is particularly valuable in treating complex conditions such as endometriosis, allowing for precise removal of affected tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding organs.

Moreover, robotic surgery has proven instrumental in preserving fertility and minimizing complications in intricate gynecological procedures. By enabling more precise incisions and minimizing tissue damage, the chances of a complete recovery and maintaining healthy reproductive function are heightened.

The incorporation of robotic surgery at Clínica Abreu not only solidifies its status as a healthcare leader and a premier medical tourism destination in the Caribbean but also broadens its service portfolio with cutting-edge technology. This reaffirms the clinic’s commitment to medical excellence.

This withdrawal was made through the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS), although the type and severity of the damage caused by its consumption were not specified.

Below is the complete note:
#SafetyAlert – Voluntary recall of infant formula product NUTRAMIGEN PREMIUM WITH LGG.

Our Ministry through the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS), reports the voluntary recall issued by Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) of lot ZL3FGL, of the infant formula product Nutramigen Premium with LGG due to possible health risks.

Cases of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections increased considerably, which keeps the population worried. For specialists, the most important thing is to maintain epidemiological surveillance and to activate educational programs to educate the population and empower them in health.

In 2023, the country had several outbreaks of cholera, and the year that began recently, in the Vietnam sector of Los Mina, in Santo Domingo East, the inhabitants of the area reported cases of acute diarrhea suspected of cholera. The health authorities are investigating the possibility of cholera cases in the Vietnam sector of Los Mina.

If the cases are confirmed, an epidemiologic fence will be established, informed the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Rivera.

Other problems
According to the first reports of the year 2024, the viruses that cause respiratory infections are very active. Among them is the respiratory syncytial.

Likewise, there is a reactivation of health problems, such as asthma and allergies, due to environmental issues and global warming, says Dr. Clemente Terrero, pediatrician and infectious disease specialist.

Regarding the cases of whooping cough in the adult population, the health authorities remained silent. The Ministry of Public Health called on the population to redouble hygiene measures to avoid increasing diseases, especially viral ones. And to go to the nearest vaccination posts to reinforce their defenses.

The intervention, which improves the quality of life of this locality’s more than 10 thousand inhabitants, responds to the government’s interest in strengthening the infrastructure of the country’s health centers.

Delivering to this community the refurbishment of the Municipal Hospital of Partido satisfies us because we know that it is a work of great value for its progress and development, Peña emphasized.

The vice president specified that the government continues to improve health infrastructures and their working conditions so that each hospital precinct can continue to offer health services in the best conditions to the entire population.

《The reason that moves us to continue doing this work is that we are aware that health and life are the most important things), she added.

Meanwhile, the head of the SNS indicated that with the delivery of this hospital, the revolution of the Dominican healthcare system continues, which is palpable with the increase in the production of services with which it closed in 2023 and the two healthcare facilities delivered in Pedernales this week.

“Luis Abinader’s government is focused on making healthcare more efficient and taking care to communities that are difficult to access,” he said.

Dr. Mario Lama explained that the Municipal Hospital of Partido now has ten inpatient beds, four consulting rooms, one pre-surgical and one post-surgical, an operating room, a delivery room, and three neonatal cribs.

In addition, the X-ray, Sonography, Laboratory, Dental module, Nursing station, Sterilization, Administration, Laundry, Kitchen, Dining Room, Storage, and morgue areas were readapted. The Emergency Room has been expanded to include a Triage, observation cubicles, and restrooms.

The ceremony was attended by the directors of the Regional Health Service of Western Cibao, Ramón Rodríguez; Kenia Santana of the Municipal Hospital of Partido; and the SNS, Alexander Ramírez of Infrastructure Equipment and Deyanira Galán of Nursing Care.