Faith Nyasuguta
Between December 16 and 17, 2024, armed gunmen attacked Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in a shocking escalation of violence that continues to ravage the nation. The assault, carried out by the Vivre Ensemble armed coalition, saw the hospital set on fire, severely damaging critical healthcare infrastructure and compounding an already dire situation in the country’s healthcare system.
The Bernard Mevs Hospital, a vital healthcare provider known for its advanced diagnostic services and its commitment to treating all patients, has been a lifeline during Haiti’s numerous crises, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the attack on this facility marks another devastating blow to the nation’s fragile healthcare system, already severely strained by ongoing violence and poverty.
This latest incident resulted in the destruction of essential medical equipment, including two CT scanners, a brand-new 3D X-ray imaging machine, lab facilities, operating rooms, and the pediatric ward. The hospital’s founders, Marlon and Jerry Bitar, expressed their heartbreak over the destruction of the facility, which had long been a critical part of the community.
This attack is part of a growing wave of violence targeting health infrastructure in Haiti. Armed gangs, including those previously led by the late Jimmy Cherisier, known as “Barbecue,” have been systematically vandalizing and destroying hospitals and pharmacies throughout the country. With hospitals already overwhelmed and under-resourced, these attacks further exacerbate the challenges faced by the health system, making it increasingly difficult for Haitians to access necessary medical care.
The Haitian government has condemned the attack, calling it a violation of human dignity and national security. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime has ordered additional police deployments and pledged resources to help ensure hospitals remain operational. However, the ongoing violence continues to pose a significant threat to the stability of Haiti’s healthcare system.
The international community has also voiced its concerns, with figures like Premier Andrew Furey, who has spent years providing humanitarian aid in Haiti, describing the attack as “evil.” There have been calls for urgent international intervention to help restore order and ensure Haitians receive the medical care they need.
As the violence persists, the people of Haiti are left to contend with the consequences of these attacks on their healthcare system. The destruction of Bernard Mevs Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international support and a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of violence and instability in the country.
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