Yesterday, Monday 3 September, First Lady Candida Montilla de Medina visited several wards at the Robert Reid Cabral children's hospital in Santo Domingo.

When asked by journalists about her work schedule, she said that her office was still working on finalizing the plan. Journalists covering the visit reported that the hospital is overcrowded. Hoy reports that around 35% of patients were being treated for pneumonia, asthma, respiratory infections and dengue.

Hospital director Dr. Emilio Mena said that all 350 beds were full and the quality of service was declining as a result. He said that more patients should be treated at the primary care level to reduce the need for referral to the hospital.

www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2012/9/3/444678/Emergencia-del-Reid-Cabral-llena-primera-dama-visita

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