Boric Addresses Midwives' Protest: Healthcare Reform in Question

President Boric Addresses Midwives' Protest Over Hospital Decree A demonstration by midwives outside La Moneda Palace in Santiago, Chile, on May 23, 2025, led to an unscheduled meeting with President Gabriel Boric. The midwives protested a government decree altering hospital classification criteria. They voiced concerns about the integration of gynecology into medical-surgical units and the absorption of neonatology by pediatrics, claiming these changes would severely impact public health. "This has to be solved," President Boric stated, while speaking directly to the protestors. He pledged to discuss the situation with the relevant minister and ensure a resolution. One midwife commented, "We're here to fight for better conditions and better care for our patients." The president also took phone numbers to follow up on the situation directly. The protest underscores the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare reform in Chile and highlights the concerns of healthcare professionals regarding potential negative consequences of the proposed changes. President Boric's commitment to finding a solution offers a glimmer of hope for a positive resolution to the conflict.