DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The National Health Service (SNS) and the administration of the Dr. Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital in Santo Domingo North have ordered the immediate suspension of medical staff on duty during the emergency room death of Aurora Suárez Fernández, age 5 last week. The measure, announced as part of an internal investigation, aims to ensure transparency following grave allegations of medical negligence.

A new era of oversightThis decisive action aligns with the stricter management style introduced by the new director of the SNS, Dr. Julio Landrón, who was appointed to the post in January 2026. Since taking office, Dr. Landrón, an orthopedic surgeon and former director of the Ney Arias Lora Traumatological Hospital, has emphasized a “humanization of care” and statistical accountability within the public health network.

Landrón has been vocal about cracking down on sub-par service...