The influence of government negligence on the way people experienced the essential services of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies after Hurricane Maria

Abstract

Hurricane María had a profound impact on the way essential health services were given during the emergency period that followed its landfall on Puerto Rico. The main objective of this research was to find out what people with health conditions in need of essentials services from hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies did during the emergency period. Furthermore, we wanted to know people’s view about the government’s response to the aftermath of the hurricane. By conducting a series of interviews with different health specialists, students at the University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, and citizens of the community of Jájome Alto in Cayey, Puerto Rico, we were able to better understand aspects of the physical and social impact caused by Hurricane Maria. Interviews made at Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, served as an inspiration for how we can prepare better for future natural disasters.

Keywords:

• Puerto Rico
• Hurricane Maria
• healthcare

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Karelys J. Delgado, Lyralis E. Torres, and Angélica M. Rodríguez (University of Puerto Rico-Cayey) for their collaboration in the interviews and telling their amazing experiences after hurricane María.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributor

Deyaneira Laboy Baiz, I have a bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences with a Major in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico-Cayey. I’m currently a Pharm.D student at the University of Florida-College of Pharmacy. I aspire to complete a pharmacy residency program upon completion of my degree.

Notes

1 Centro Medico is a conglomerate of hospital facilities in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, which houses several health and scientific research institutions (About Centro Medico, 2020).