Patients Endure Freezing Nights Outside Bolivian Hospital for Medical Appointments

Santa Cruz, Bolivia – Amidst an extreme cold snap, patients and their families are resorting to sleeping outdoors at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santa Cruz, enduring freezing temperatures overnight to secure medical attention. Temperatures dropped to 9 degrees Celsius, with strong winds making the thermal sensation feel as low as 2 to 6 degrees Celsius. Footage from the hospital's surroundings shows individuals, including vulnerable members of the population, wrapped in blankets, plastics, and cardboard, lying on the cold ground. They spend the night in the open, waiting for the morning to obtain a medical appointment ticket. This distressing situation highlights the daily challenges faced by citizens seeking healthcare in the country, who are compelled to brave severe weather conditions due to the scarcity of medical attention slots. The scenes depict a stark reality for many, emphasizing the urgent need for improved access to healthcare services.