health

Hospital debts unresolved

la prensa

hisma faces a deficit1116356

The uncertainty surrounding the future of Hospital San Miguel Arcángel (HISMA) has generated concerns among providers at the facility, who fear they will lose the money they have invested in the facility.

The hospital is publicly-owned, but it is operated as a private entity, with independent contractors providing most of the services offered there.

The facility has accumulated millions of dollars of debt, however, leading some to suggest that it should be taken over by the government and run as a public hospital.

That has raised concerns among the contractors who are owed money, who say that they could be left empty-handed if HISMA becomes history.

Last Friday, contractors and service providers met with members of the hospital's board to inquire when and how they are going to be paid.

They said that the board has to reach a decision about the hospital's future because they need to decide whether they should make alternate plans if the facility is closed or turned over to the government.

They also raised concerns about the fact that, unlike other state entities with which they have business relationships, HISMA has no provision for paying its debts.

HISMA Medical Director Pedro Contreras said at the meeting that the hospital is committed to paying its debts, but admitted that it does not have the money and he does not know where it is going to get it.