Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Health, Víctor Atallah, returned to the country this Saturday along with the 40 professionals who make up the Emergency Medical Team of the Dominican Republic (EMT-RD), after completing a 12-day humanitarian mission in Venezuela, where they provided healthcare assistance to the communities affected by the recent earthquakes.
Upon arrival, the official and the brigade were received by the Commanding General of the Dominican Republic Air Force, Major General Pilot Floreal Suárez Martínez. Atallah had traveled hours earlier to Venezuelan territory to accompany the return of the personnel who participated in the Quisqueya Solidaria mission, deployed by order of President Luis Abinader.
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The minister highlighted that during the operation, the Dominican team attended to 2,502 people, which represents nearly 28% of the medical assistance provided by the international Emergency Medical Teams deployed in Venezuela, according to estimates by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
“As long as Venezuela is in need, the Dominican Republic will be assisting and providing its support whenever it is necessary, and we will continue working together with them,” stated Atallah, highlighting the country’s commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
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During the 12 working days, the brigade performed 1,413 general medicine consultations, 321 pediatric visits, 587 gynecological consultations, and 181 mental health interventions. In addition, it carried out sonograms, diagnostic tests for malaria, dengue, and pregnancy, administered vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus, and distributed 3,844 medications to the affected population.
In the public health area, the team processed 5,000 liters of drinking water, chlorinated another 6,000 liters stored in community reservoirs, and carried out health promotion, deworming, vector control, and psychological support actions for families impacted by the emergency.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that the mission maintained an average of 220 patients attended per day thanks to the work of the Type 1 Emergency Medical Team, made up of doctors, nurses, psychologists, epidemiologists, pharmacists, water, sanitation and hygiene specialists, as well as logistics and coordination personnel, all trained under the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).
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With the return of the brigade, health authorities recognized the work, professionalism, and dedication to service of its members, considering that the mission strengthens the Dominican Republic’s leadership in terms of humanitarian cooperation and health response to disasters.
