The minister of public health, Erasmo Vasquez, told the press last week that his department will have a budget of more than RD$7,000 million in order to provide health services to the entire population. He said that he is in favor of people with low incomes paying small amounts for such services and that his department will emphasize control of illnesses preventable by immunization, care for children, women and the elderly, in accordance with the guidelines set by the president. He said that the reinforcement of prevention measures against sickness is vital as, at present, Public Health is investing 50% of its budget to curing those suffering from illnesses. He said they will be reinforcing control of rubella, meningitis, and hepatitis. Emphasis will also be placed on prevention, immunization, health and the expelling of parasites from children.
In his opinion, the Plaza de la Salud could be a pilot program whereby the low income population assumes a larger part of the cost. He felt that the reform to the health system will involve the private sector and told the newspaper Hoy that contrary to what some may think, he considers that instead of weakening the private health sector, it is necessary to protect and strengthen it.
He is currently checking on all those employed in public health to eradicate any irregularities, as they have found that many physicians employed had another concurrent jobs in the IDSS.