Haiti Police Announce Reclamation of Gang-Controlled Hospital in Port-au-Prince
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In a move aimed at reclaiming control from armed gangs, Haiti's newly appointed Prime Minister Garry Conille, alongside Police Chief Normil Rameau, undertook a visit to the country's largest medical facility on Tuesday.
The Hospital of the State University of Haiti, also known as the General Hospital, had fallen victim to months of relentless attacks, culminating in its recent seizure by police forces on Sunday night, according to AP News.
Haiti Police Chief Rameau Normil, in a press conference on Monday, detailed the police operation that led to the hospital's retrieval from armed groups.
The facility, crucial for providing healthcare to Haiti's underserved population, had been reduced to a state resembling a war zone.
Beds lay empty, their frames stripped, while bullet-ridden walls bore witness to clashes between law enforcement and gangs.
The Haiti hospital's dire condition underscored the urgent need for security and stability in a nation plagued by violence.
Council member Louis Gerald Gilles, joining the inspection, projected a hopeful future, announcing plans for the Haiti hospital's full operational restoration by February 2026.
Prime Minister Garry Conille emphasized the institution's vital role in serving Haiti's most vulnerable, highlighting its previous capacity of attending to 1,500 patients daily before falling under gang control.
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Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The violence perpetrated by criminal factions has not spared Haiti's fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Over 30 public and private health facilities across Port-au-Prince have been looted and vandalized since February, exacerbating an already precarious health crisis, the Miami Herald reports.
Patients like Carole Dieujuste, grappling with chronic illnesses, have faced life-threatening delays in treatment, highlighting the catastrophic impact on individuals reliant on medical services.
The arrival of Kenyan police officers as part of a multinational security mission offers a glimmer of hope for restoring order.
Led by Godfrey Otunge, these international forces aim to collaborate closely with local authorities and global partners, pledging to curb gang activities that have crippled communities and institutions alike.
Restoring Security and Stability
Haiti Police Chief Normil Rameau outlined ongoing tactical evaluations and planning efforts over the past fortnight to dismantle criminal networks effectively.
Despite operational secrecy to safeguard strategic advantages, the integration of Kenyan police signifies a bolstered international effort to quell unrest and facilitate safer conditions for Haiti's populace, The Bharat Express News noted.
As Haiti navigates through these turbulent times, the commitment to reclaiming stability remains unwavering.
With the specter of violence displacing hundreds of thousands and imperiling public health, concerted efforts are imperative to mitigate risks posed by ongoing crises and seasonal vulnerabilities.
Haiti's battle to secure its public health infrastructure amid escalating violence underscores the urgent need for sustained international support and strategic interventions.
As efforts to restore normalcy continue, the resilience of Haiti communities remains a testament to their enduring spirit amid adversity.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: Gang leaders in Haiti say ready for war as Kenyan police prepare to deploy - From FRANCE 24 English
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