Friday, July 14, 2006Funds for Pediatric AIDS in
San Juan to be taken away
SAN JUAN (AP) – The Health Department will allegedly deprive the 176 pediatric patients infected and/or affected by HIV or AIDS in San Juan of social work services, case management, nursing practices, and clinical services.
San Juan Special Health Programs Director Gloria del C. Amador revealed and denounced Thursday the alleged decision of Health Secretary Rosa Pérez Perdomo.
''In another attempt to strangulate the services offered to San Juan residents, the Health secretary decided to cancel the Ryan White Title IV funds that the municipality of San Juan has received since 1988 for the AIDS Pediatric Services Clinic,'' Amador alleged.
Health Family Health and Integrated Services Assistant Secretary Greduvel Durán said the federal proposal of the Health Department for the AIDS Pediatric program was approved but the final budget that will be distributed throughout the island has still not been ratified.
''Each year, the proposal’s funds are less. We received the affirmation of the proposal, and we are waiting for the final allocation. After that, we will do an analysis to see how we can continue to help the municipality of San Juan,'' the official said in a press conference.
According to Durán, Puerto Rico needs $2.5 million for this proposal, and they only received $700,000 for the whole island.
''We hope it is not left without funds. The service that the municipality of San Juan provides. . . is very important, so we will do everything possible to maintain it,'' he said.
Amador also said they established communication with the U.S. Health Department to investigate the situation.
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